legal studies
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legal studies
The academic discipline concerned with the interpretation, application, and systematic study of law. It is also known as jurisprudence or law.
Sie studiert Rechtswissenschaft an der Universität Heidelberg.
She is studying legal studies at Heidelberg University.
The word is made up of 'Rechts-' (a form of 'Recht' (law/right)) and 'Wissenschaft' (science/academic discipline). So it literally means 'the science of law.'
Die Rechtswissenschaft beschäftigt sich mit den Gesetzen einer Gesellschaft.
Legal studies deals with the laws of a society.
The most common and important combination is 'Rechtswissenschaft studieren' (to study law/legal studies). In this fixed expression, the word is used without an article.
Mein Bruder möchte nach dem Abitur Rechtswissenschaft studieren.
My brother wants to study law after finishing secondary school.
'Rechtswissenschaft' (legal studies) is the official and formal term for the university subject. In everyday university life and in colloquial language, the shorter word 'Jura' (law) is almost always used instead.
Auf dem Papier studiert er Rechtswissenschaft, aber alle seine Freunde sagen, er studiert Jura.
On paper he is studying legal studies, but all his friends say he is studying law.
law / Jura / Jurassic
Jura and Rechtswissenschaft both refer to the field concerned with law. Jura is the usual, more everyday term, especially in the context of studying, while Rechtswissenschaft sounds more formal and academic. Jura is usually suitable in conversation; Rechtswissenschaft is more common in academic texts.
Die Rechtswissenschaft untersucht, wie Gesetze ausgelegt und angewendet werden.
Legal studies examines how laws are interpreted and applied.
Ich studiere Jura und lerne gerade für meine erste Prüfung.
I study law and am currently preparing for my first exam.
