Department of Juridical Studies
Department of Juridical Studies
Department of Current Legal Studies
Department of Global Legal Studies
Department of Political Science
Fostering individuals who contribute to society through fair, logical, and objective thought
Through the Department of Juridical Studies' systematic and incremental curriculum, students learn to objectively analyze contemporary social problems and use a fair, logical thought process to work toward solutions — without the excessive stress of some law programs. These skills comprise what we call the “legal mind.” The Department offers a rich curriculum of studies, from small introductory classes to advanced seminars that explore cutting-edge fields. The flexible curriculum allows students to deepen their knowledge through self-directed learning, opening up a broad range of future career paths.
Department of Juridical Studies
Key Features of the Department of Juridical Studies
Point 01 Determine a course model that suits your course of studies
The Faculty of Law offers a rich curriculum of studies, so finding the courses that best fit your interests can be difficult. We have therefore prepared course models suited to various courses of study, those leading to everything from the legal profession to general companies, so that you can study with a sense of purpose. We have a particularly good track record for students taking the Japanese Civil Service Exam. It is also possible to obtain teaching certification (elementary type-2, junior high, and senior high schools).
Point 02 New legal professional course established in April 2020!
Legal reforms of Japan’s law school system have been passed, cutting the minimum time taken to qualify as a legal professional after entering university from eight years to six. Students of the Faculty of Law may graduate early after three years and take the bar examination in their second year after entering the Graduate Law School. They may qualify as a legal professional after completing the Supreme Court’s year-long Legal Training and Research Institute program. Meiji Gakuin University has concluded a partnership agreement with the graduate law schools of Waseda University, Chuo University, Keio University, Meiji University, Chiba University, and Tokyo Metropolitan University*. The Department has established this course to meet the needs of students interested in pursuing a career as a legal professional. Those wishing to take the course may apply for entry in their second year, if they choose. (The pre-entry program begins in the autumn semester of the first year.)
*Students may choose a law school with which the Department has not concluded an agreement.
Point 03 Extra support from young scholars serving as special teaching assistants
The Department has instituted a Special Teaching Assistant (TA) System. Young legal scholars serve as TAs permanently stationed at both the Shirokane and Yokohama campuses. These TAs provide detailed assistance on everything from class content and study methods to report and thesis writing.
Point 04 Opportunities to study cutting-edge fields including Intellectual Property Law and Environmental Law
The Department’s 140-plus class offerings include many in fields at the vanguard of legal studies today, including Consumer Law, Intellectual Property Law, Adult Guardianship Law, Labor Law, and Environmental Law.
Point 05 Free access to classes throughout the Faculty of Law
Starting in their third year, students are permitted to enroll in almost any advanced class throughout the Faculty. The emphasis is on student autonomy in this policy of permitting participation in classes outside the Department in which they are enrolled. By allowing students to take lectures and seminars in any subject they wish, the program encourages them to become proactive learners.
Program Structure
In the first year, students learn civil and criminal law — essential topics in the study of law — in small, discussion-oriented classes. Small group seminars in the second year are geared toward ensuring a strong grasp of essential legal subjects. In the third year, students select from a wide range of classes while also engaging in in-depth discussion on specific themes through seminars and special lectures. In addition, they may enroll in classes on cutting-edge subjects that match their career interests.
Topics
Company Law
Students will learn the basic structure of stock-issuing companies, which play a central role in corporate society. Students will acquire knowledge about topics such as stocks, shareholders’ meetings, directors and auditors, incorporation of companies, and financing, thereby understanding the rules by which companies run. This information will prove useful when entering the workforce.
Adult Guardianship
While considering international trends alongside current situations and issues, we will engage in an in-depth examination of the adult guardianship system, which assists decision-making and provides legal support for allowing people to lead their own lives, even after old age or disability has reduced their capacity to make decisions.
