What is a JD?

Question

I have heard people say that they have a:
1. Juris Doctor degree
2. Juris Doctorate degree
3. Doctor of Jurisprudence degree

Which one of the above is the correct terminology?

Answer 1

All of the three that you list may be correct. Different schools may word their diplomas differently. I believe though that "Juris Doctor" is the most common.

By the way- contrary to what one of the other respondents suggested- the JD degree does NOT suggest a license to practice law. Many people who earn the JD degree make use of the knowledge obtained in their business careers but have no desire to practice law. One needs to pass a bar examination and various other requirements in order to obtain admission to the bar (aka a license to practice law.)

Answer 2

An observer is correct. It really depends on how a school words the diploma. The first two are the most common in the US. The ones that use plain English (instead of the older or Latin style) says the first one. My school uses plain, modern English, so my diploma says "The Degree Of Juris Doctor". The font isn't even fancy. Mine looks like it was done in 2 minutes of a Word Processor, and it's a first tier school too. Other diplomas I've seen look a lot more fancy and impressive.

But having a JD just means I've graduated from law school. I wasn't allowed to actually practice law until I got the other diploma from my state's Bar. The Supreme Court of my state ordered that I be admitted to the Bar and am now "licensed as an Attorney and Counselor to practice in all the Courts of the State."

Answer 3

I have always believed that it stood for "Juris Doctorate," which means the person who holds the JD has a degree and license to practice law.

Answer 4

Juvenile Delinquent