Rechtswissenschaft / Law (State Examination)

During the study of law, studens are dealing with legal regulations and other legal texts. This also includes legal historical, -philosophical and - sociological aspects as well as rules on legal proceedings. The course of study includes the great areas of German legislation:During the study of law, studens are dealing with legal regulations and other legal texts. This also includes legal historical, -philosophical and - sociological aspects as well as rules on legal proceedings.

The course of study includes the great areas of German legislation:

• Private law
  goes to regulate the relationships between natural and legal persons who are on an equal legal footing. In addition to a general section, these include the law of obligations, the law of property, family law and the law of succession.
• Public law
  goes to regulate the relationship between the organs of state power and private-law entities, as well as the legal aspects of the organisation and functioning of the state. These include, for example, Fundamental rights, constitutional law, administrative law and European law.
• Criminal law
  comprises the legal provisions which prohibit certain acts and impose penalties for them.

 

What makes this degree programme so special?

The study of law in Giessen is characterized by an advantageous relation between the number of staff and students as well as the "Giessen Method" in particular, i.e. work in small groups with students assuming responsibility (running working groups). Thus the study remains organized and comprehensible. Many practitioners (judges, lawyers, administrative jurists) are involved in teaching. They add an occupational perspective to the study of law. This focus on law in practise is also stressed by the regular practitioners' seminars in the fields of industrial law, environmental law, and criminal law.
There is also the possibility to continue studies by embarking on a doctoral course of studies or an additional 2-year period of additional study with the final qualification of Magister/Magistra Juris Internationalis.

Starting in the winter semester 2025/2026, students will also receive a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) upon request if they meet the admission requirements for the compulsory subject examination ("Scheinfreiheit") and have passed the academic thesis. The Bachelor of Laws offers the assurance that even if the state examination is not passed, the work accomplished will be recognised by a degree.

 

What skills and interests should I have?

To come to terms with this wide-ranging subject matter, which involves complex legal texts and case studies, you will need a fundamental interest in understanding the law. Also important are the ability to think abstractly and the ability to work independently, in a structured manner and with sustained concentration over extended periods. Furthermore, you are expected to have good and precise written and oral communication and argumentation skills. More

The law degree programme leading to the "First State Examination" can essentially be divided into four sections.

 

1. Intermediate Examination:

For the intermediate examination, you must write eight written examinations in key areas of law during the first three or four semesters, six of which you must have passed by the end of the 6th semester.

The intermediate examination comprises a total of eight written examinations:

• from private law, the areas of introduction to private law, law of obligations with a focus on statutory obligations and law of obligations with a focus on contractual obligations,
• from public law, fundamental rights, state organisation law and the general part of administrative law as well as
• Criminal Law Special Part I and II.

 

2. Practical courses for advanced students:

The focus of the following study phase - apart from classes covering several subareas -  lies on comprehensive tutorials for advanced students covering private law, public law, and criminal law. law.

 

3. Specialisation area:

During the following study phase students have to select a thematic major (focus area). The field of study chosen can vary from university to university. The major covers about 10% of the whole course of study. At JLU Giessen the following majors can be chosen:

• fundamentals of law;
• industrial law and social legislation;
• commercial law;
• International and foreign civil- and procedural law
• Constitution and society (advanced public law)
• European law and international law;
• Criminology

At the same time classes covering further areas of law have to be attended. The programme is complemented by basic and introductory courses, classes on methodology and key qualifications as well as classes taught in a foreign language. Additionally, three placements with a duration of one month each have to be successfully completed at a court and two other institutions.

 

Legal Engish:

JLU offers a three-semester course in "Legal English" for students of this course of study.

 

4. Preparation for the First law examination:

The concluding preparation phase for the final exams (UniRep) is intended as an intensive repetition phase in preparation of the first law examination.

 

First law examination:

If all necessary proofs of academic achievement have been gained in the course of study, students can register for the first law examination. It consists of the state examination in the compulsory subjects, comprising 70% of the overall grade, and the university examination in the major subject area, which comprises 30% of the overall grade.

The state examination in the compulsory subjects comprises:

• two exams in the area of private law
• two exams in the areas of public law
• one exam in the area of criminal law
• one exam in the area of industrial, commercial or company law
• one oral exam consisting of the three parts private law, public law, and criminal law

The examination in the major subject area comprises:

• a thesis and
• an oral exam

 

Composition of degree programme, examinations

The exact composition of the degree programme can be seen in the information sheet.

After the degree, further study and specialisation are possible.

• Nachhaltige Ernährungswirtschaft (M.Sc.)

In general, the prerequisite for embarking on doctoral studies is a successfully completed university degree.The doctoral course of study will be completed with the written dissertation and an oral exam (disputation). Having been conferred a doctorate, you are allowed to bear the title "Dr. jur.".

Through the university studies, ending with the first law examination, and the following 2-year practical legal training, which ends with the second state law examination, the status of "full lawyer" is acquired, i.e., the qualification to exercise the functions of a judge. 

Together with the classic areas of practicing law as a lawyer, in the judicial system and administration, numerous opportunities in business, in chambers and associations, in politics, in international organizations and similar institutions are open.

Examination- and study regulations

State Examination regulation (without Teaching Degree Programmes) (in German) 
Study regulations for State Examination Degree Programmes (without Teaching Degree Programmes)

 

Courses offered in the course cataloge

Electronical course cataloge (in German)

 

PDF documents for the courses of study

Study programme flyer (in German)
Faculty overview brochure (in German)
Module plan and proof of academic achievements (in German)

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies