Law Degree Program and Career Education

"Law" is both a discipline and a body of knowledge used by that discipline. "The law" can be considered as the ground rules of a civilized society, and usually indicates the collection of rules and regulations, decrees and decisions, codes and statutes, and judgments and precedents which a country or society has deliberated over and agreed upon in order to guide social behavior and to assure the safety and property right of its citizens. The chief function of the legal system is the interpretation of the law to serve the administration of justice. The study and practice of law, known as jurisprudence, is the domain of lawyers, judges, and paralegals, among other professions.

Education, Training and Degrees in Law

A sample of available degrees applicable to a career in law includes:

AAS in Paralegal
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
MS in Criminal Justice - Law

Find more information about online Criminal Justice degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Explore Career Opportunities in Law

For details concerning the educational requirements, degree programs, employment outlook and salary range for a specific position, simply choose an occupation:

Lawyer
Lawyers are people who have undergone the necessary training and received the appropriate licensing to allow them to practice law. Virtually all lawyers counsel clients regarding their legal rights, obligations, and courses of action in their business and personal affairs, usually through research into the history and intent of laws and judicial decisions in an effort to discover precedents which will serve their client's interests. Most lawyers work in private practice and focus either on criminal or civil law. Some lawyers present evidence and argue in court on behalf of one of the parties in criminal or civil trials. Attorneys concentrating on civil law provide their clientele with litigation or contract assistance. Most lawyers specialize in a specific field, although some include multiple areas in their practice.

Paralegal
Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, work under the direction and authority of attorneys, performing work of a legal nature without engaging in actions that are restricted by law solely to attorneys. Among these legal tasks (which are considered "the practice of law") that paralegals are not allowed to perform are giving legal advice, representing clients in court, and establishing charges or fees. Aside from these key restrictions, lawyers are delegating more and more responsibilities to paralegals, so the exact nature and extent of a paralegal's responsibilities depend on the individual's unique mix of location, experience, skills, education, and certification.

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