If you’re planning to pursue a career in the legal field, you may have come across the terms “Law” and “LLB.” But what do they really mean? Are they the same thing, or is there a difference?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the difference between Law and LLB, so you can clearly understand these terms and make an informed decision about your career path.
What is Law?
Law refers to the system of rules and principles created by a country or community to regulate the actions of its members. These rules are enforced by governmental institutions such as courts and police.
In simple words, Law is a broad field of study that deals with justice, rights, duties, and legal regulations that maintain social order.
👉 Example of Law topics:
- Criminal Law
- Civil Law
- Constitutional Law
- Corporate Law
- Family Law
- Environmental Law
Key Points about Law:
- It’s a field of study and practice.
- Covers various branches of legal studies.
- Applied by lawyers, judges, and legal professionals in real life.
- Not a degree — it is the subject or discipline itself.
What is LLB?
LLB stands for Legum Baccalaureus in Latin, which translates to Bachelor of Laws in English.
It is an undergraduate degree in law, typically required to become a lawyer in many countries. LLB gives you academic and professional knowledge of law, legal principles, and courtroom practices.
Duration of LLB:
- In many countries, LLB is a 3-year degree (for graduates) or a 5-year integrated degree (after high school, like BA LLB, BBA LLB).
Key Points about LLB:
- Academic qualification to enter the legal profession.
- Covers various branches of law in a structured syllabus.
- Required to practice law professionally (along with licensing exams like the Bar Exam).
- Focuses on theoretical and practical knowledge.
Difference Between Law and LLB:
| Aspect | Law | LLB (Bachelor of Laws) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | System of rules and principles. | Academic degree in the field of law. |
| Type | Field of study and profession. | Formal educational qualification. |
| Purpose | To regulate society and ensure justice. | To educate and train individuals in law. |
| Scope | Broad — includes many branches. | Structured course covering different laws. |
| Example | Criminal Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law. | LLB degree (3-year or 5-year program). |
| Requirement for Practice | N/A (Law is not a degree). | Yes, necessary to practice as a lawyer. |
Conclusion
In short, “Law” is the subject or discipline, while “LLB” is the degree that one earns to specialize in the study of law.
If you want to become a lawyer, judge, or legal advisor, pursuing an LLB degree is essential — and during this journey, you will explore various fields of law.
Hopefully, this post clears up any confusion between Law and LLB!
FAQs
1. Is LLB the same as Law?
No. Law is the subject or field, and LLB is an academic degree in that field.
2. Can I practice law without an LLB?
In most countries, LLB is the minimum requirement to practice as a lawyer.
3. What comes after LLB?
You can pursue LLM (Master of Laws) for specialization or prepare for judicial services and bar council exams.