Rettsskole

Rettsskole is a Norwegian term for institutions that provide professional education in law, commonly translated as law school. It can refer to university faculties of law as well as professional schools that train individuals to work within the legal system. The core purpose is to equip students with legal doctrine, analytical skills, and the ability to argue and write about legal issues.

The typical outcome of rettsskole studies is preparation for professional licensure or admission to practice, depending on the jurisdiction. In many systems, graduates pursue a qualifying degree such as a bachelor or master of laws, followed by practical training, internships, or a bar examination to become a solicitor, advocate, prosecutor, or judge. Some countries separate academic study from professional training, requiring completion of a professional program in addition to a university degree.

Curricula generally cover core areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure, contract law, torts, property, administrative law, and legal writing. Many programs also offer comparative, international, or specialized electives and emphasize practical skills through clinics, moot court, or internships. The structure and nomenclature of law education vary by country, with some systems offering undergraduate professional degrees and others requiring graduate-level degrees alongside professional training.

Admission requirements typically include completion of secondary education or an undergraduate degree, language proficiency, and meeting specific entry criteria set by the institution. Accreditation bodies and professional associations oversee quality, curriculum standards, and licensure pathways.

History and regional variation: The concept of formal legal education traces to medieval universities and has since evolved differently across civil and common law traditions. Today rettsskole encompasses both academic law faculties and professional training programs that prepare individuals for legal careers.