Law, Justice, and Society (BA)
Study the intersection of law, justice, and societal issues.
Why choose this program?
Drawing on a wide range of relevant courses from several different disciplines, Dal’s Law, Justice, and Society (LJSO) program offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of law and the role of law in relation to social institutions. The program will help students to critically evaluate, apply, and engage in research and analysis focused on law and justice.
Courses are taught by award-winning researchers and instructors, as well as by experienced legal professionals.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Students typically enter the LJSO program in their second year of study, after completing a year (30 credit hours) of study, or a King’s Foundation Year.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The interdisciplinary nature of the LJSO program means students will obtain most of their credits through LJSO-approved courses in other programs and departments. Students in their first year are encouraged to take courses in disciplines that can prepare them for the more advanced courses in the subjects that contribute to the Core Courses of the Program: Political Science, Sociology, History, and Philosophy.
The following Law, Justice and Society program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Arts with Major in Law, Justice, and Society
Bachelor of Arts with Double Major in Law, Justice, and Society
Bachelor of Arts with Concentrated Honours in Law, Justice, and Society
Bachelor of Arts with Combined Honours with Emphasis in a Subject other than Law, Justice, and Society
Minor in Law, Justice, and Society
What you will learn
In this program, you'll gain an interdisciplinary perspective from experts in fields as diverse as anthropology, history, politics, sociology, and philosophy. You'll participate in a wide range of discussions, debates, and activities and examine the role of practical reason in answering complex moral and sometimes controversial questions related to law and policy making.
In addition to a few core requirements that ensure a solid multi-disciplinary basis for the study of law and justice in society, you'll have a wide choice of electives.
Sample courses may include:
Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics, Social, and Political Philosophy
Political Worlds: The Global Domain
People and Culture: Introduction to Social Anthropology
Introduction to Law I and Law II
Legal Thinking
Forensic Psychology
Processes of Justice
Politics of Crime
Criminal Law, Crime and Punishment, 1890 to the Present
Ethics, Justice, and Economics
Prison Literature
Ethics, Law, and Society
Explore your interests in this interdisciplinary program that introduces the study of law, an overview of the Canadian legal system, an opportunity to examine the role of law in society and an opportunity to investigate law as a potential career.
Careers
You'll be prepared to work in a wide variety of fields including business, non-profits, education, health, and the public sector. With additional education you could practice law as well.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level, or you might choose to complete a professional degree in law.
