Interested in Law?
You can combine this program with a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Our Bachelor of Laws (University of Sussex, UK) and Bachelor of Arts (Laurier) program can be completed in six years.
You'll complete your first two years in the Philosophy program at our Waterloo campus. Students who meet the GPA and progression requirements may then apply to the UK law program and are guaranteed an offer of admission to the University of Sussex law school; there is no requirement to write the LSAT entrance exam.
After three years of studying abroad in the UK and completing an LLB, you'll return for one final year at Laurier to complete your Laurier BA.
Why Studying Philosophy Will Make You an Exceptional Lawyer?
While having exceptional knowledge in law is necessary to becoming a lawyer, there is something even more critical - the use of logic to argue and convince others of the truth of a case. Mastering the art of argumentation is essential to succeed in this profession.
How does one master the art of argumentation, though? It is actually through philosophy. Subdisciplines of philosophy include the study of logic, reason and argumentation. Philosophy teaches the systematic breakdown of arguments, analyzing premise strengths and weaknesses, uncovering mistakes and fallacies, and constructing the most robust case. Philosophy students are among the highest scores on standardized tests such as the LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and the MCAT.
Apart from acquiring the skills that will make you a brilliant lawyer, part of the questions of life philosophy explores is the law and the pursuit of justice. Philosophy focuses on how the law can be biased towards marginalized groups such as women, racialized people and those with disabilities. In addition, we explore concerns regarding constitutional rights, judicial review and the nature of democracy.