A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a professional graduate degree in law that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. It is the standard qualifying law degree in the United States and some other countries like the Philippines

. The JD typically requires three years of full-time study beyond a bachelor's degree, covering core legal subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, along with opportunities for specialization

. After earning a JD, graduates must pass a bar examination to become licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction

. The degree is considered a professional doctorate in the U.S., though holders usually do not use the title "Doctor" in everyday practice

. The JD is distinct from research degrees like the Master of Laws (LL.M.) or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), which focus on advanced legal study or scholarship

. In summary, a JD is:

• A graduate-entry professional law degree
• Typically a three-year program after completing a bachelor's degree
• Required to sit for the bar exam and practice law in the U.S.
• Considered a professional doctorate in the U.S., but not commonly used with the "Doctor" title in practice

This degree equips graduates with the legal knowledge and skills necessary for a legal career as attorneys, advocates, or legal advisors.