When it comes to legal education and careers, two terms often get mixed up: Law and LLB. If you’re someone curious about pursuing a career in the legal field or just trying to understand the terminology, this post will clear the confusion for you.
Understanding “Law”
Law is a broad term. It refers to the system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Law governs everything from business and contracts to criminal behavior and civil rights.
In an academic or professional context, when someone says they are “studying law,” it means they are learning about this system of rules, how they function in society, and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
So, Law is the subject—the field of study or profession.
What is LLB?
LLB stands for Legum Baccalaureus in Latin, which means Bachelor of Laws. It is the undergraduate degree you pursue if you want to study law in-depth and become a lawyer, legal advisor, or enter the judiciary field.
In short, LLB is a degree, while Law is the subject you study through that degree.
Key Differences Between Law and LLB
| Criteria | Law | LLB |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Subject or discipline | Academic degree in the field of law |
| Nature | Broad field encompassing various areas | Specific program focused on law education |
| Usage | “He is studying law” | “She is pursuing an LLB degree” |
| Academic Recognition | Not a degree | Recognized undergraduate law degree |
| Career Path | Includes LLB, LLM, PhD, etc. | First step towards becoming a lawyer |
Why the Confusion Happens
Many people use the term “law” loosely when referring to the LLB course or the legal profession. It’s like saying “I study medicine” when you’re actually pursuing an MBBS degree. The confusion is natural but easily cleared up with this understanding.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Law is the subject, and LLB is the degree you earn when you study that subject at the undergraduate level. If you’re interested in becoming a legal professional, the LLB is your gateway to entering the world of law.