Doctor of Juridical Science

A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD; Latin: Scientiae Juridicae Doctor),^[1] or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD; Latin: Juridicae Scientiae Doctor)_,^[2] is a terminal research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree.^[3][4][5] In most countries (including the United States), it is the most advanced law degree that can be earned, higher than both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).

The SJD is offered by the Australian National University,^[6] Bond University,^[7] La Trobe University,^[8] the University of Canberra,^[9] the University of New South Wales,^[10] the University of Technology Sydney,^[11] and the University of Western Australia.^[12]

The University of Sydney stopped accepting new applications for an SJD in 2018.^[13]

In Canada, the JSD or SJD is offered at University of Toronto Faculty of Law and the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Other law schools in Canada still offer a PhD in law as the terminal degree.

In Italy, the title of Doctor of Juridical Science (dottore in scienze giuridiche) is awarded to holders of a Degree in Juridical Sciences (laurea in scienze giuridiche, EQF level 6), while Magistral Doctor of Juridical Sciences (dottore magistrale in scienze giuridiche) is awarded to holders of a Magistral Degree in Juridical Sciences (laurea magistrale in scienze giuridiche, EQF level 7).

Instead, the terminal degree for law, is the research doctorate (PhD, dottorato di ricerca), awarding the title of Research Doctor (dottore di ricerca).

The JSD, or SJD, is a research doctorate, and as such, in contrast to the JD, it is equivalent to the more commonly awarded research doctorate, the PhD.^[14] It is the most advanced law degree.

Applicants for the program must have outstanding academic credentials.^[15] A professional degree in law (such as a JD) is required, as well as an LLM.^[16] Exceptions as to the latter condition (i.e., holding an LLM) are seldom—if ever—granted.^[17]

The JSD/SJD typically requires three to five years to complete.^[17][18] The program begins with a combination of required and elective coursework. Then, upon passage of the oral exam, the student advances to doctoral candidacy. Completion of the program requires a dissertation, which serves as an original contribution to the scholarly field of law.^[19]

The JSD/SJD is rarely earned by American scholars. The American Bar Association considers the JD a sufficient academic credential for the instruction of the law. This has been adopted by virtually all American law schools, though outstanding academic performance and an extensive record of legal publications are usually required for tenure-track employment at most universities. Most scholars who complete the JSD/SJD at American universities are either international students seeking academic employment in their home countries (where a research doctorate may be required) or American scholars already employed, and who wish to further their legal education at the highest level.

Notable recipients of the degree of Doctor of Juridical Science include:

• Doctor of Law
• Legum Doctor (Doctor of Laws; LLD)
• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Doctor of Canon Law, Catholic Church (JCD)