The Degree
Through Duke’s Master’s Program in Judicial Studies, judges learn the analytical skills and research approaches necessary for studying judicial institutions and apply those skills to studies of domestic and international judicial institutions, common and emerging legal issues, general judicial practices, and judicial reform efforts.
The program is open to state, federal, and international judges; in fact, we seek to admit a balance of representatives from each sector of the judiciary in order to create a diversity of ideas and approaches that will enhance the learning experience. The program requires four weeks of coursework in two consecutive summers, plus the writing of a thesis based on original research. Courses are highly interactive and taught by scholars from the Duke Law faculty as well as institutions around the country. The inaugural class enrolling in summer 2012 is expected to include 10-15 judges.
Judges who are not able to clear four consecutive weeks on their calendars may earn a Certificate in Judicial Studies by attending a two-week session each summer.
