<P> The Juris Doctor degree (J.D. or JD), also known as the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D., JD, D. Jur. or DJur), is a graduate - entry professional degree in law and one of several Doctor of Law degrees . It is earned by completing law school in Australia, Canada and the United States, and some other common law countries . It has the academic standing of a second - entry, baccalaureate degree in Canada, a master's degree in Australia and a professional doctorate in the United States (in all three jurisdictions the same as other professional degrees such as M.D. or D.D.S.). </P> <P> The degree was first awarded in the United States in the early 20th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree (such as the Dottore in Giurisprudenza in Italy and the Juris Utriusque Doctor in Germany and central Europe). Originating from the 19th century Harvard movement for the scientific study of law, it is a degree that in most common law jurisdictions is the primary professional preparation for lawyers . It involves a three - year program in most jurisdictions . </P>

What does jd stand for in law school