Guide to Earning an Online Law Degree

Currently, there are no online Juris Doctor programs that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, students will find other types of law degrees online, as well as unaccredited J.D. programs. Keep reading to find out more about the types of law degrees that can be earned online.

Online Degree Options

Online degrees in law-related fields can be found at the bachelor's and master's degree level. These degree programs in legal studies, law and society, or related fields are appropriate for students who are interested in learning about legal theory and application. Lawyers who have already earned a Juris Doctor degree and have been admitted to the bar will find a few online Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree programs.

According to the American Bar Association, there are no fully online ABA-accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs that prepare students to take a bar exam (www.americanbar.org); however, there are some schools that offer non-accredited J.D. programs. Students in these programs typically have a path to the bar exam in the same state in which the school operates. Other states, in some cases, allow lawyers from other states who are graduates of programs not ABA-accredited to sit for the bar exam, as long as they have a minimum of experience as a practicing attorney in their home state.

Online Law Program Characteristics

Most schools offer their online law degree programs with the full-time working adult student in mind. Admissions are considered on a case-by-case basis for non-traditional students or students with varying levels of academic or professional experience who demonstrate that they may be able to benefit from the program. Some schools don't require common standardized test scores as part of the application process.

How Online Learning Works

Oftentimes, an online law degree can be completed without any visits to campus. In cases where periodic short-term residencies are required, they typically last less than a week. Students may have a choice of start dates; however, classes often have firm start and end dates. Students might also have the flexibility to compress or extend their course length to fit into their schedules.

Schools that offer online law degrees use an electronic course delivery system, which usually means one-stop access for course materials, assignments, class message boards, instructor and student communications, and more. Some lectures take place in real-time, while others are recorded and made available for asynchronous student access. Some interaction between teachers and students may take place by chat, e-mail, or telephone.

Types of Online Law Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society

This online degree program covers the law, legal system and law principles in the United States. It also aims to provide a firm foundation in logic, legal writing and rhetoric. The degree can be applied to a wide variety of careers, including law enforcement or employment in a nonprofit organization, regulatory agency, government organization or public office. The 4-year program offers coursework in early American civilization, government, conflict resolution and criminal justice, among other areas.

Master of Arts in Legal Studies

This online, interdisciplinary degree program focuses on current social issues and public policy along with the study of law in American society. It's designed to help students prepare for further studies, or to provide them with a larger skillset in their law-related careers. Students learn about legal research, public advocacy and theories of justice. A large part of the degree consists of electives in topics like human rights, criminal justice and public policy. An internship is optional.

Master of Laws

The LL.M. is an advanced degree for lawyers, usually in a focused area of the law. Courses vary depending upon the area of focus; for example, an LL.M. in taxation will focus on taxation and business, while a degree in American law offers coursework in contracts, civil procedure and international business transactions. The program takes 1-2 years to complete. Students in an LL.M. program can complete an optional internship while taking courses.

Online Courses in Tort Law

Essential Information

California is the only state that permits candidates for the state bar examination to have obtained their law degree online, and none of the online schools are approved by the American Bar Association. Paralegal and legal studies programs, however, offer online courses including those in tort law. These programs can be taken towards a certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree. Some classes are available completely online, while others require periodic attendance on-campus. Graduates are qualified to work for law firms, business corporations, courts and government agencies.

Online Tort Law Courses

Below are some of the courses in tort law that are offered online by colleges and universities.

• Legal System Introduction: Students get an overview of the legal system and learn how tort law developed and its interaction with other areas of law. Such a course within a paralegal program may discuss the role of paralegals within the legal system. Some associate's degree program courses may focus on basic litigation ideas and legal terminology.
• Tort Law Fundamentals: This course discusses fundamental tort law principles, including both intentional and unintentional negligence. Students explore major torts; for example, battery and assault. Many courses examine torts in specialized contexts, such as products liability and malpractice, and teach common defenses and remedies.
• Torts and Personal Injury: With a litigation focus, students learn practical court proceedings and fundamental tort principles. Applying it to various hypothetical situations tests their knowledge of the subject.
• Business Law and Torts: Students learn about tort law's intersection with the business world through subjects such as products liability. Some courses may place an emphasis on intentional torts and insurance law, and many others cover other legal fields, including contracts and intellectual property.
• Civil Litigation: Tort law is litigated in civil court, and this course focuses on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as well as the state rules of civil procedure. Students learn how the rules are applied in civil litigation, including cases involving torts.

Online Justice of the Peace Course Information

No specific educational requirements exist for a prospective justice of the peace, but coursework or degree programs in political science, criminal justice or administration of justice may be helpful. Online courses are available from various colleges and universities at the undergraduate level.

Essential Information

Online courses in criminal justice, law, political science, administration of justice and sociology may be useful to someone aspiring to become a justice of the peace. Many U.S. states have eliminated the position, but where the role of Justice of the Peace does exist, duties include officiating weddings, administering oaths and presiding over minor criminal and civil matters. Given the changing and diverse nature of the role, students may wish to clarify their end goals and make sure they are aligned with specific courses, as well as state legal and educational requirements.

Online Courses for Prospective Justices of the Peace

Below are a few of the most common courses available that are in the areas of criminal justice, law and political science.

• American Politics Course: This course is found in many political science undergraduate programs and focuses on how the American political system, policymaking process and key political issues relate to law and its enforcement. Components of the government at the local, state and national levels are examined, along with role of policy in addressing public opinion, stakeholder needs and economic demands. Statistical analysis and research methods for evaluating policy issues are also discussed.
• Ethics of Justice Course: This course discusses ethical theories and their application to current issues for justice administration professionals. Requirements of ethical decision-making are discussed along with concepts like morality, justice and social control. Contemporary topics covered include capital punishment, affirmative action, same-sex marriage, euthanasia and torture. Legal ethics courses are often found in undergraduate administration of justice, political science and law enforcement programs.
• Marriage and the Law Course: Students learn about the legal characteristics, creation and dissolution of civil unions, same-sex, common law and traditional marriages in this sociology course. The affects of social change on traditional marriage are examined and views and laws of non-traditional marriages are covered. Additional topics include legal rights and responsibilities of spouses, the legal processes and obligations of divorce, benefits of marital status, the regulation of the ability to marry and spousal abuse.
• Justice Administration Course: This course is found within administration of justice and criminal justice programs and looks at the characteristics of effective justice administration. It also includes an overview of the criminal justice system and evaluation of law enforcement philosophies. Interrelationships of subsystems in the justice system and career opportunities in the field are also discussed, as well as responsibilities and expectations of the public.
• Victims and the Justice Process: This course provides a comprehensive look at victimization and the U.S. legal system's response to it. Students learn to see the world through the victim's eyes in hopes that prospective criminal justice students will be more sympathetic to a victim's plight and their rights. Victim participation in the criminal court case against their offender, such as in the case of a victim impact statement, is also explored.