Juris Doctor in Laws

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Australian National University Juris Doctor (JD) is a 144-unit postgraduate law degree that provides comprehensive academic training for graduates seeking a professional legal qualification in Australia. The program requires completion of 90 units of compulsory core courses covering foundational and advanced areas of law, including Australian legal systems, ethics, torts, contracts, public law, criminal law, administrative law, constitutional law, corporations law, property, equity and trusts, evidence, litigation and dispute management, legal theory, and international law. Students must also complete at least one 6-unit capstone course, which may involve internships, legal clinics, moot competitions, research projects, or professional practice experiences that integrate legal knowledge with practical and research skills. In addition, students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units of 8000-level postgraduate law courses, while up to 24 units may be selected from approved 4000-level law electives. Research is a central component of the degree, with students undertaking substantial research-based assessments and scholarship activities across multiple courses. Research training begins in Foundations of Australian Law through instruction in legal research methods, writing, case law analysis, legislation, and database use, with advanced training available through dissertation pathways. The program also offers specialisations in Corporate and Commercial Law, International and Comparative Law, International Law, Law Reform, Environmental and Social Justice, Private Commercial Law, and Public Law, enabling students to tailor their studies to specific professional interests.