Candidate of Law


Candidate of Law is the degree awarded to law students who have complete their studies in Denmark, Sweden and Finland for 4.5–6 years. The degree is roughly equal to the Master of Laws degree in other parts of Europe. Norway previously awarded the degree, but switched to the European system in 2008.
In Nordic countries, the exam can only be taken at a university with a diploma privilege granted by the government – though any institution may provide legal education. The competition for a study right in law at university is very fierce in all Nordic countries. There are usually more than 10 applicants to each place at Law faculties. The admission system however vary from every country.

Countries

Denmark

The Danish Candidatus/Candidata juris '' is obtained after 5 years of law studies. Undergraduate degree in Denmark is Bachelor i jura which take usually 3 years to complete. Four Danish universities are offering the degree in law.

Sweden

The Swedish Juristexamen is completed after 4.5 years of studying at the normal pace. Previous Jurist kandidatexamen was replaced in fall 2010 with the Juristexamen. Previously graduated lawyers are eligible to continue using their Jur.kand. title.

Finland

The FinnishOikeustieteen maisteri, abbreviated OTM is obtained after 5 years of law studies. Previous Oikeustieteen kandidaatti was replaced in 2005 with the Oikeustieteen maisteri. Previously graduated lawyers were eligible to continue using their previous title.
Both before and after the Bologna process in 2005 the academic degree is split into two different grades. Previously, the lower degree was Varanotaari, abbreviated VN, and currently the lower degree awarded is Oikeusnotaari, abbreviated ON after completing 3 years of study.
The right to practice specific law-related occupations require either OTM or OTK degree. The ON or VN degree alone doesn't give the right to practice law-related occupations in Finland.

Norway

The Norwegian Master i Rettsvitenskap is obtained after 5 years of law studies. Previous Candidatus/Candidata juris which was 6-year program replaced in 2003 with the Master i Rettsvitenskap. Last Cand. jur. degree's were awarded in the spring 2007.
Traditionally, the student must swear following oath:
"I never consciously want to deviate from justice and justice, nor advise anyone to unnecessary conflict, or otherwise by counsel or action to promote any unlawful cause or activity."
The oath is no longer spoken, but it is implied with a handshake during the graduation ceremony.