Kumamoto University
School of Law

In the 3-year standard course, we offer education in legal theory to those possessing qualities of judgment, thought, analytical ability, and expression that are required as prerequisites by legal schools for logical resolution of issues that occur during practice regarding fundamental topics. We also provide an introductory practical course for fact finding.

Of the applicants who have already studied law, those who pass the qualification test after the enrollment procedures are complete, and are recognized as possessing the fundamental legal knowledge required by the Kumamoto University School of Law will be permitted to complete the course in two years.

The 3-year standard course requires the students to earn a total of 100 credits or more, including the 74 credits of compulsory courses, with an overall GPA of at least 2.0. In the event that a student's GPA is under 2.0 but 1.8 or above, they can take an accreditation test, which if passed will make them eligible for completion.

The 2-year short course requires the students to earn a total of 64 credits or more, including the 34 credits of compulsory courses, with an overall GPA of at least 2.0. In the event that a student's GPA is under 2.0 but 1.8 or above, they can take an accreditation test, which if passed will make them eligible for completion.

Those who complete their course at the Kumamoto University School of Law will be awarded the degree of "Juris Doctor" (professional law degree).

The curriculum is divided into the following four main class areas, each with its own staged and systematic structure, in order to develop high-caliber legal professionals equipped with the ability to think for themselves, rich human nature, well-rounded education, professional qualities and skills, and a strong sense of ethics.

Public Law, Private Law and Criminal Law are categorized into Basic Law Class. Public Law includes Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. Private Law includes Civil law, Commercial law and Civil Procedure Law. Criminal Law includes Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law. The subjects categorized in this group are offered as compulsory courses and are taught in both lecture and seminar style class. Our systematically established curriculum enables you to learn progressively from basic to application.

Legal Ethics is designed to cultivate the essential responsibility and sense of ethics a student will need as a legal professional. Fact in Issue Theory in Civil Cases, Civil Court Seminar, Criminal Practice Seminar and Criminal Court Seminar are designed to teach the foundations of facts in issue and fact finding. All these courses are compulsory. Legal Clinics and Externship are the final stage of our practice training.

Japanese Legal History, Philosophy of Law, Sociology of Law, Law and Economics, and Anglo-American Law are offered as selectable compulsory courses. They are designed to cultivate capacity for legal decision-making supported by the ability to grasp things from an overall perspective by imparting the historical, philosophical, social, and economic significance of our laws as well as knowledge of foreign laws.

The expanded and advanced courses constitute the more distinctive courses offered at the Kumamoto University School of Law. Taking courses such as Law and Policy Making, Care for the Elderly and Administration of Property, Business Compliance, and Corporate Revival in a methodical manner will nurture a strong career in law.

I. Our expansion and advanced courses include classes conducted with the scholastic cooperation of the Kyushu University Law School, the Kagoshima University Law School, and the University of Ryukyu's School of Law. The co-op courses include Law and Economics, Business Legal Affairs, Consumer Law 2 (Product Safety Laws), Preservation of Civil Execution, and Internet and Law (all offered in conjunction with a course offered at Kyushu University), as well as Public Policy Law and Aging and Low Birthrate Society and Law.

II. The Kumamoto University School of Law also offers externship at law offices in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Okinawa as transfer course credits.

The Distinctive Legal Professionals We Cultivate, Educational Curriculum, and Related Charts