law phd examples

• School of Law
• Postgraduate

Writing a PhD research proposal

The following guidance has been compiled to help you submit a high quality application that is targeted to the research strengths of The School of Law.

Choosing a research topic

PhDs are supposed to contain an element of originality and innovation. Originality need not mean that you explore a wholly new concept. For instance, it might also include applying new methods or new theories to existing scholarship on the topic. They also need to be backed up by logically reasoned evidence and argument – whether that is provided by theoretical or empirical sources.

The types of thesis that could be constructed:

An analysis of a specific area of law or criminology on which there is no significant existing literature. The lack of existing literature may be explained by the relative newness of the body of law and/or creation of institutions; or the previous lack of attention given to the practical impact of the chosen area of study. A thesis in this area might attempt to describe, explain and rationalise the development of this particular area of law and/ or critically analyse the content of the legal system being researched.

An analysis applying, analysing, or evaluating existing studies in a new context. For instance, one might extend a study of one jurisdiction to another, providing comparative evidence that tests the applicability of existing research and enables the existing theory to be challenged, reconsidered, or expanded upon.

An empirical study of  an area of law or criminology where there is existing doctrinal, conceptual, or theoretical literature, but limited empirical evidence to test those doctrines, concepts, or theories. Such an empirical study would still require a degree of originality but would be academically interesting if it offers a view of the area of study not previously attempted and/or allowed for an appraisal of the effectiveness of the law as it currently stands and is organised.

An in-depth critical study of a specific aspect of law or criminology. Such an examination may consist solely or mainly of library based or theoretical work, or include an element of socio-legal research. As well as recognising existing literature, such an approach needs to make clear how this project would build on and add to that work. The answer may be that the area of law or criminology has evolved or the work itself takes a very different approach to analysing the problem.

Before drafting a research proposal it is a good idea to consult with any academic contacts you already have for their feedback.

The Research Proposal

Applications must include an outline research proposal. If a proposal is submitted without a proposal it will be automatically rejected.

The application asks you to give a description of your research project, including the research questions to be addressed, the methodology to be used, the sources to be consulted and a brief timetable. Your proposal should be included in the application as a separate attachment, and distinguished from your supporting statement (if you include one).

There is no set format or page length for proposals, although to keep the proposal concise and clear while still providing enough information, we recommend limiting yourself to 1,500-2,500 words. Within your application it is useful to identify and bear in mind some or all of the following points:

It is important that you demonstrate clearly the area that you intend to research and provide some indication that you are already knowledgeable in the area that you intend to research. This can be achieved through suitable references and/or by supplying a bibliography to support your application.

Research is about more than collating knowledge already in the public domain. Within your application you should indicate how you intend to add to the knowledge that you will be uncovering. Examples of potential aims include: adding to existing theory; disproving previous understandings; a critique of the current legal position; a defended positive/negative prognosis of the impact of a new legal provision; new empirically obtained findings. You may find it helpful to express your research aims as questions to be answered, or as aims to fulfil by doing the research. Try to limit the number of aims of your study as much as possible.

A research application is more likely to be accepted if you can demonstrate that it has relevance and academic merit. Ultimately PhDs are awarded where a piece of work can demonstrate some originality and innovation. This should be explained within your application.

It is rare for an entirely original piece of research to be written. Therefore, the links with existing research should be made clear, as should the possibilities your work might open up for future research. You should provide some background to the research, exploring the wider literature and making as clear as possible what makes your proposed research original in the context of that literature.

In other words, how do you intend to undertake the research? Methods may include reviewing library-based resources or empirical research. If the latter, then what form – e.g. quantitative or qualitative analysis, and what evidence can you provide that you have the skills to undertake such research. These methods should be carefully considered in relation to the research aims and questions you are seeking to address in the proposed research.

You must consider the partnerships, knowledge exchange and impacts associated with your proposed research. If you already have collaborative arrangements in place with relevant external stakeholders then you should describe these and potentially also provide letters of support, in principle, if you have them. You should consider the likely impacts of your proposed research and how these will be achieved, as well as your plans for disseminating your research findings beyond academia.

If you are applying for WRDTP or WRoCAH scholarships, it is essential that you consider how your proposed research fits in with the research pathways or clusters of these two funders. The quality of your scholarship application will be judged partly by the fit of your research within these pathways or clusters.

Your application should not be too unrealistic as to what can be delivered. It is also wise to predict the likely challenges that you will face in undertaking the research and suggest ways in which those challenges can be overcome.

What to avoid

Research proposals should not be viewed as binding contracts. Most first-year PhD students adapt their research proposal once they start studying the topic in more depth and working with their supervisor. Nevertheless, a PhD proposal should amount to a coherent, intelligent, realistic and relatively well thought-out idea of an area of potential research.

The following errors should be avoided if possible:

Simplistic descriptions of an area of study should be avoided – eg ‘I want to research EU law’. The specific focus of the research must be clear.

Offer to review or analyse an area of law on which there is already a significant existing literature. PhDs should be attempting something more than bringing together knowledge that already exists.

Develop a research proposal primarily because the topic is or has been fashionable. Topics such as the legality of the war in Iraq, the operation of the International Criminal Court or the Human Rights Act 1998 remain extremely important areas of academic study, but as a PhD student it is going to be very difficult to say anything interesting, new or original about these topics.

Avoid trying to resolve grand problems in one thesis. The best research proposals tend to focus on discrete and well-confined subject areas.

Relying upon a comparison to provide the intellectual component of the proposal, whether that is a comparison between different institutions, different bodies of law or different countries. Comparative research proposals are worthy if properly thought out. If the comparison is between different legal systems for instance, in the submission it needs to be made clear why that comparison could be a useful one and what can be learnt from the comparison. For instance, you may be undertaking research in the UK and from Botswana, but that does not mean that there are any valid reasons why comparing the UK to Botswana is actually worthwhile in your subject area.

Relatedly, you should consider the research expertise of supervisors at the University of Sheffield, and the value that studying at Sheffield adds to your research. Generally a PhD submitted in a UK university should contribute to knowledge about the UK, or about global/international issues. If you want to research another country of jurisdiction, you need to provide a credible reason for why Sheffield is a good place to undertake that study, as opposed to an institution in that country.

Make sure that your methodology is as clear and specific as you can make it at this early stage. Proposals that say, “I will use qualitative methods” are unlikely to succeed because they suggest an ignorance of the diversity of qualitative methods. Ideally, you should be able to say something about: 

the methods you will use (e.g. surveys, documentary analysis, interviews, observation, ethnography, audio-visual methods...); 

the target populations of your research (eg, a study of criminal courts might seek to recruit judges, lawyers, ushers, defendants, police officers, or other actors. Which groups do you want to participate in your research, and why? The answer to this question should bear some relation to your research aims); and, 

If possible, the approximate number of participants you want to recruit for each method (for instance, you might want to conduct 10-15 interviews with each of two groups of participants, or to survey 500 people) and how they will be accessed/recruited. Try to be realistic about how long empirical research takes, and how many research participants it is possible to study.

How these chosen methods are likely to illuminate the research questions of the proposed research

Ethical considerations of the research in relation to things like informed consent, anonymity, the safeguarding of researchers and participants

It may not be possible to say much at this stage, but the more details you can provide, the clearer it will be that you have thought seriously about your research project, and the easier it will be for the School of Law to evaluate its feasibility.

Positive steps to take

When we make an offer we will do so on the basis of various considerations. Making an effort to foreshadow those considerations in your application is a good idea. It is advisable to submit a supporting statement alongside the research proposal. Issues to consider include:

Why did you choose to apply to the University of Sheffield?

Can you provide any evidence to suggest that you are capable of completing an extensive piece of research and have the character to undertake three years of study, on a relatively low income and with only supervisory support?

Does the research proposal fit into one of the areas in which the Law School has a speciality ? Often a proposal only needs minor adaptation to fall within an area the School can supervise, but to improve your chances of success it is worthwhile reviewing the academic profile of the various staff in the Law School before you submit an application.

If you are able, it would be helpful to have a look at some past PhD theses in your own area of interest which have been successfully submitted at a UK university. Most UK universities have copies in the library of all past successful PhDs, either as physical copies or in an online repository. 

The online application form requires you to provide some standard information about yourself and your past academic performance. Please ensure that this information is correct and that you provide evidence to support your qualifications.

The references that your referees provide are important sources of information for us. Wherever possible, it is helpful to provide (where possible) a reference from at least one academic who is aware of your research potential and has read some of your work.

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

HLS Dissertations, Theses, and JD Papers

S.j.d. dissertations, ll.m. papers, ll.m. theses, j.d. papers, submitting your paper to an online collection, other sources for student papers beyond harvard, getting help, introduction.

This is a guide to finding Harvard Law School (“HLS”) student-authored works held by the Library and in online collections. This guide covers HLS S.J.D Dissertations, LL.M. papers, J.D. third-year papers, seminar papers, and prize papers.

There have been changes in the HLS degree requirements for written work. The library’s collection practices and catalog descriptions for these works has varied. Please note that there are gaps in the library’s collection and for J.D. papers, few of these works are being collected any longer.

If we have an S.J.D. dissertation or LL.M. thesis, we have two copies. One is kept in the general collection and one in the Red Set, an archival collection of works authored by HLS affiliates. If we have a J.D. paper, we have only one copy, kept in the Red Set. Red Set copies are last resort copies available only by advance appointment in Historical and Special Collections .

Some papers have not been processed by library staff. If HOLLIS indicates a paper is “ordered-received” please use this form to have library processing completed.

The HLS Doctor of Juridical Science (“S.J.D.”) program began in 1910.  The library collection of these works is not comprehensive. Exceptions are usually due to scholars’ requests to withhold Library deposit. 

• HLS S.J.D. Dissertations in HOLLIS To refine these search results by topic or faculty advisor, or limit by date, click Add a New Line.
• Hein’s Legal Theses and Dissertations Microfiche Mic K556.H45x Drawers 947-949 This microfiche set includes legal theses and dissertations from HLS and other premier law schools. It currently includes about 300 HLS dissertations and theses.
• Hein's Legal Theses and Dissertations Contents List This content list is in order by school only, not by date, subject or author. It references microfiche numbers within the set housed in the Microforms room on the entry level of the library, drawers 947-949. The fiche are a different color for each institution.
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses @ Harvard University (Harvard login) Copy this search syntax: dg(S.J.D.) You will find about 130 SJD Dissertations dated from 1972 to 2004. They are not available in full text.
• DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard Sponsored by Harvard University’s Office for Scholarly Communication, DASH is an open repository for research papers by members of the Harvard community. There are currently about 600 HLS student papers included. Unfortunately it is not possible to search by type of paper or degree awarded.

The Master of Laws (“LL.M.”) degree has been awarded since 1923. Originally, the degree required completion of a major research paper, akin to a thesis. Since 1993, most students have the option of writing the LL.M. "short paper."  This is a 25-page (or longer) paper advised by a faculty supervisor or completed in conjunction with a seminar.  Fewer LL.M. candidates continue to write the more extensive "long-paper." LL.M. candidates holding J.D.s from the U.S. must write the long paper.

• HLS Written Work Requirements for LL.M. Degree The current explanation of the LL.M. written work requirement for the master of laws.

The library generally holds HLS LL.M. long papers and short papers. In recent years, we require author release in order to do so. In HOLLIS, no distinction is made between types of written work created in satisfaction of the LL.M. degree; all are described as LL.M. thesis. Though we describe them as thesis, the law school refers to them solely as papers or in earlier years, essays. HOLLIS records indicate the number of pages, so at the record level, it is possible to distinguish long papers.

• HLS LL.M. Papers in HOLLIS To refine these search results by topic, faculty advisor, seminar or date, click Add a New Line.

HLS LL.M. Papers are sometimes available in DASH and Hein's Legal Dissertations and Theses. See descriptions above .

The HLS J.D. written work requirement has changed over time. The degree formerly required a substantial research paper comparable in scope to a law review article written under faculty supervision, the "third year paper." Since 2008, J.D. students have the option of using two shorter works instead.

Of all those written, the library holds relatively few third-year papers. They were not actively collected but accepted by submission from faculty advisors who deemed a paper worthy of institutional retention. The papers are described in HOLLIS as third year papers, seminar papers, and student papers. Sometimes this distinction was valid, but not always. The faculty deposit tradition more or less ended in 2006, though the possibility of deposit still exists. 

• J.D. Written Work Requirement
• Faculty Deposit of Student Papers with the Library

HLS Third Year Papers in HOLLIS

To refine these search results by topic, faculty advisor, seminar or date, click Add a New Line.

• HLS Student Papers Some third-year papers and LL.M. papers were described in HOLLIS simply as student papers. To refine these search results, click "Add a New Line" and add topic, faculty advisor, or course title.
• HLS Seminar Papers Note that these include legal research pathfinders produced for the Advanced Legal Research course when taught by Virginia Wise.

Prize Papers

HLS has many endowed prizes for student papers and essays. There are currently 16 different writing prizes. See this complete descriptive list with links to lists of winners from 2009 to present. Note that there is not always a winner each year for each award. Prize winners are announced each year in the commencement pamphlet.

The Library has not specifically collected prize papers over the years but has added copies when possible. The HOLLIS record for the paper will usually indicate its status as a prize paper. The most recent prize paper was added to the collection in 2006.

Addison Brown Prize Animal Law & Policy Program Writing Prize Victor Brudney Prize Davis Polk Legal Profession Paper Prize Roger Fisher and Frank E.A. Sander Prize Yong K. Kim ’95 Memorial Prize Islamic Legal Studies Program Prize on Islamic Law Laylin Prize LGBTQ Writing Prize Mancini Prize Irving Oberman Memorial Awards John M. Olin Prize in Law and Economics Project on the Foundations of Private Law Prize Sidney I. Roberts Prize Fund Klemens von Klemperer Prize Stephen L. Werner Prize

• Harvard Law School Prize Essays (1850-1868) A historical collection of handwritten prize essays covering the range of topics covered at that time. See this finding aid for a collection description.

The following information about online repositories is not a recommendation or endorsement to participate.

• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses HLS is not an institutional participant to this collection. If you are interested in submitting your work, refer to these instructions and note that there is a fee required, which varies depending on the format of submission.
• EBSCO Open Dissertations Relatively new, this is an open repository of metadata for dissertations. It is an outgrowth of the index American Doctoral Dissertations. The aim is to cover 1933 to present and, for modern works, to link to full text available in institutional repositories. Harvard is not one of the institutional participants.
• DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard

Sponsored by Harvard University’s Office for Scholarly Communication, this is an open repository for research papers by members of the Harvard community. See more information about the project. 

Some HLS students have submitted their degree paper to DASH.  If you would like to submit your paper, you may use this authorization form  or contact June Casey , Librarian for Open Access Initiatives and Scholarly Communication at Harvard Law School.

• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (Harvard Login) Covers dissertations and masters' theses from North American graduate schools and many worldwide. Provides full text for many since the 1990s and has descriptive data for older works.
• NDLTD Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations Union Catalog Worldwide in scope, NDLTD contains millions of records of electronic theses and dissertations from the early 1900s to the present.
• Law Commons of the Digital Commons Network The Law Commons has dissertations and theses, as well as many other types of scholarly research such as book chapters and conference proceedings. They aim to collect free, full-text scholarly work from hundreds of academic institutions worldwide.
• EBSCO Open Dissertations Doctoral dissertations from many institutions. Free, open repository.
• Dissertations from Center for Research Libraries Dissertations found in this resource are available to the Harvard University Community through Interlibrary Loan.
• British Library EThOS Dissertation source from the British Library listing doctoral theses awarded in the UK. Some available for immediate download and some others may be requested for scanning.
• BASE from Bielefeld University Library Index of the open repositoris of most academic institutions. Includes many types of documents including doctoral and masters theses.

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University of Bristol Law School

How to write a phd proposal.

We are delighted to consider applications for PhD research. We have a fantastic, diverse and energetic student body who are making the most of fabulous resources for postgraduate students. We welcome you to join us.

In order to help you with your application, the information below aims to give some guidance on how a typical research proposal might look.

Please be aware that if you are applying for   ESRC funding  then the proposal  must be no longer than 1,300 words ,  and if you are applying for  University of Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarship  then the proposal  must be no longer than 1,000 words (incl. footnotes).

Your aim here is to showcase your ability to carry out postgraduate research. PhD research often travels and what you apply to study for may differ from your ultimate PhD. It is perfectly acceptable for research to move over time in response to findings or changes in preference/supervision.

Please note:  we do not generally have the expertise to supervise PhD proposals that are exclusively in a jurisdiction outside UK, EU or international law. We have many expert supervisors in comparative, international and regional law but if your proposal is only to study the law in your home country, we may not be able to offer you supervision even if you meet the admission requirements.

Title. A short, indicative title is best.

Abstract. This is a succinct summary of your research proposal that will present a condensed outline, enabling the reader to get a very quick overview of your proposed project, lines of inquiry and possible outcomes. An abstract is often written last, after you have written the proposal and are able to summarise it effectively.

Rationale for the research project. This might include a description of the question/debate/phenomenon of interest, and the context(s) and situation in which you think the research will take place; an explanation of why the topic is of interest to you; and an outline of the reasons why the topic should be of interest to research and/ or practice (the 'so what?' question).

Issues and initial research question. What legal or governance question(s) do you intend to investigate? (This may be quite imprecise at the application stage); what might be some of the key literatures that might inform the issues (again, indicative at the application stage); and, as precisely as you can, what is the question you are trying to answer? A research proposal can and should make a positive and persuasive first impression and demonstrate your potential to become a good researcher. In particular, you need to demonstrate that you can think critically and analytically as well as communicate your ideas clearly.

Intended methodology. How do you think you might go about answering the question? At Bristol we supervise an incredibly wide range of PhDs, including doctrinal, theoretical, empirical, historical, comparative or policy-focused work. Even if your methods are, for example, doctrinal, please do make this clear and give some indication why you think this is the best methodology for your proposed study. If you have a key theorist in mind, do please outline this in your application, together with some understanding of any critiques that have been raised. If you are planning to do empirical work, do please give some indication of what your methods might be (quantitative (surveys, statistics etc); qualitative (interviews, ethnography etc)

Expected outcomes and impact. How do you think the research might add to existing knowledge; what might it enable organisations or interested parties to do differently? Increasingly in academia (and this is particularly so for ESRC-funded studentships) PhD students are being asked to consider how their research might contribute to both academic impact and/or economic and societal impact . This is well explained on the ESRC website if you would like to find out more.

Timetable. What is your initial estimation of the timetable of the dissertation? When will each of the key stages start and finish (refining proposal; literature review; developing research methods; fieldwork; analysis; writing the draft; final submission). There are likely to overlaps between the stages.

Why Bristol? Why –specifically - do you want to study for your PhD at Bristol? How would you fit into our research themes and research culture (please see the ’10 reasons to study for a PhD at Bristol’ section on the website for more information). You do not need to identify supervisors at the application stage.

Bibliography. Do make sure that you cite what you see as the key readings in the field. This does not have to be comprehensive but you are illustrating the range of sources you might use in your research.

Scholarships

A  number of scholarships  are available to study for a PhD at Bristol. You can see more information regarding scholarships on our  fees and funding  page. If you have any questions about which scholarship to apply for and how your research might fit in please contact the PGR Director, Yvette Russell   [email protected] .

Tips on writing a successful application

Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

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PhD Dissertations

Dissertations from 2022 2022.

British Empire, Land Tenure and the Search for an Ideal Proprietor: 1868-1875 , Preetmohinder Singh Aulakh

The old people are the song, and we are their echo: resurgence of w̱ sáneć law and legal theory , Robert Justin Clifford

A Critical Approach to the Regulation of a Public Corporation's Purchase of Its Own Shares on the Open Market: Lessons from The Transatlantic Comparison , Alper Cohaz

The Norm Life Cycle Theory and The Role of INSOL International in Shaping the Uncitral Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency , Anthony Ikemefuna Idigbe

Judicial Depictions of Responsibility and Risk: The Erasure of State Accountability in Canadian Sentencing Judgments Involving Indigenous People , Sarah Jane Nussbaum

Regulating the Corporation from Within and Without: Corporate Governance and Workers’ Interests , Vanisha Hemwatie Sukdeo

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Just Greening the Gulf: Sustaining Justice for Migrant Workers , Asma Atique

Ongoing crimes and the unlikelihood of punishment - Syria as a case study , Ghuna Bdiwi

Lawyering from Below: Activist Legal Support in Contemporary Canada and the US , Irina Ceric

Measuring Access to Civil Justice: An Empirical Study of Ontarios Reform Initiatives , Matthew Dylag

Refugee Camps: In Search of the Locus of the Accountability of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Under International Law , Zachary Lomo

Epistemological Justice in Strategic Challenges to Legislation under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , Dana Erin Phillips

The Potential for a Family Law Tribunal , Patricia Lynn Robinson

Settling the Law: An Empirical Assessment of Decision-Making and Judicial Review in Canada's Refugee Resettlement System , Pierre-Andre Theriault

The Regulation of Paralegals in Ontario: Increased Access to Justice? , Lisa Danielle Trabucco

How Will I Know? An Epistemology of Lawyering , Emanuel Raul Tucsa

Regional Economic Community Courts and the Advancement of Environmental Protection and Socio-economic Justice in Africa: Three Case Studies , Rahina Bukar Zarma

Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Corporative Theory of Corporate Law and Governance , Phillip Granville Bevans

Re-Visiting the 'Resource Curse': Law and Mining Governance in Southern African Developmental States , Sara Ghebremusse

Mining Conflict, Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Justice: The Case of Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh , Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan

The Transnational Mining Justice Social Movement: Indigenous Right to Consultation & Right to Remedy Law Reform Activism in Canada and Latin America From 1999-2019 , Charis Kamphuis

Hryniak, the 2010 Amendments, and the First Stages of a Culture Shift?: The Evolution of Ontario Civil Procedure in the 2010s , Gerard Joseph Kennedy

A Comparative Study of Judicial Safeguards in Relation to Investor-State Dispute Settlement , Pavla Kristkova

Disability's Encounter with Legislation and Governance: Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario , Po Land Lai

The Nexus Standard and its Implications for International Tax Competition and Soft Law , Huaning Li

Towards Development Justice: Re-Visiting the Accountability of the World Bank and the IMF from a Right to Development Perspective , Maxwel Owuor Miyawa

Assessing Canada's Copyright Law in the Digital Context: Digital Locks, Open Licenses, and the Limits of Legislative Change , Justice Ifeonukwu Ogoroh

Regulatory Transgression? Drivers, Aims and Effects of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regulation in Pakistan , Ahmed Sanaa

Resisting Obsolescence: A Comprehensive Study of Canada's Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and the Office's Efforts to Innovate While Strategically Asserting Greater Independence , Ian Norris Kellner Stedman

Dissertations from 2019 2019

Narrowing the Gap between Tax Law and Accounting , Humayun Rashid Chaudhary

Artificially Intelligent Copyright: Rethinking Copyright Boundaries , Aviv Hertzel Gaon

Beyond the Habitual: Legal Argument Upon the Use of Force and During the Conduct of Hostilities , David Michael Hughes

The Right to Support: Severely Disabled Children & Their Mothers , Sheila Kathleen Jennings

Attracting Foreign Investments for Green Energy Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Climate Change Policy & Innovation in International Legal Compliance , Leslyn Ann Lewis

Recognizing the Assemblage: Palestinian Bedouin of the Naqab in Dialectic with Israeli Law , Victor Nasser Rego

If You Love Something, Set it Free? Open Content Copyright Licensing and Creative Cultural Expression , Giuseppe Roberto Tarantino

Dissertations from 2018 2018

Intersectional Human Rights at CEDAW: Promises Transmissions and Impacts , Amanda Barbara Allen Dale

International Criminal Law and Limits of Universal Jurisdiction in the Global South: A Critical Discussion on Crimes Against Humanity , Nergis Canefe

Translating Trademarks: Towards the Equal Treatment of Foreign- Language Marks , Ung Shen Goh

The Pomegranate Tree has Smothered Me: International Law, Imperialism & Labour Struggle in Iraq, 1917-1960 , Ali Hammoudi

Law, Autonomy, and Local Government: A Legal History of Municipal Corporations in Canada West/Ontario, 1850-1880 , Mary Margaret Pelton Stokes

The Transnational Judicial Dialogue of the Supreme Court of Canada and its Impact , Klodian Rado

Is Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT) a Viable Alternative to the Utility Patent for the Protection and Promotion of Innovation in Genetically Engineered Agricultural Seeds? , Joseph Rosenblat

Law, Culture, and the City: Urban Legal Anthropology, the Counterhegemonic Use of Hegemonic Legal Tools, and the Management of Intangible Cultural Heritage Spaces Within Toronto's Municipal Legal Frameworks , Sara Gwendolyn Ross

Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Role of Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism in Shaping Anti-Terrorism Law in Comparative and International Perspectives: Case Studies of Egypt and Tunisia , Fatemah Alzubairi

Re-Imagining Local Governance: The Landscape of "Local" in Toronto , Alexandra Elizabeth Flynn

'Pyrates' of the Lyceum: Big Pharma, Patents, and Academic Freedom in Neoliberal Times , James McGillivray

The Place of Private Property in Land Use Law: A Relational Examination of Ontario's Quarry Conflicts , Estair Suarez Van Wagner

Dissertations from 2016 2016

When Insider Trading and Market Manipulation Cross Jurisdictions: What Are the Challenges For Securities Regulators and How Can They Best Preserve the Integrity of Markets? , Janet Elizabeth Austin

Geographical Indications and Development in the Third World: Towards a Strategic Approach of Intellectual Property Rights in Jamaica - The Case of Blue Mountain Coffee , Marsha Simone Cadogan

The Rules of Engagement: Self-Defense and the Principle of Distinction in International Humanitarian Law , Tracey Leigh Dowdeswell

The Limits of Regulation: A Case Study of Virtual and Intangible Harm , Nachshon Goltz

Mandated Ethics: Regulatory Innovation and its Limits in the Governance of Research Involving Humans , Igor Gontcharov

Confronting (In)Security: Forging Legitimate Approaches to Security and Exclusion in Migration Law , Angus Gavin Grant

Legal Anarchism: Does Existence Need to Be Regulated by the State , Sirus Kashefi

Having a Say: Democracy, Access to Justice and Self-Represented Litigants , Jennifer Ann Leitch

Social Protests as Constitutional Interpretation , Domingo Andreas Lovera-Parmo

The Nature and Value of Access to Information Laws in Canada and the EU: Ideals, Practices and Perspectives , Irma Spahiu

The Colliding Vernaculars of Foreign Investment Protection and Transitional Justice in Colombia: A Challenge for the Law in a Global Context , Marco Alberto Velasquez

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Rethinking the Law of Interrogations and Confessions in Canada , Fariborz Davoudi

Governing Water in Canada: The Legislative Experiments in New Governance , Patricia Hania

Changing Our Tune: A Music-Based Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Resolving Conflict , Linda Marie Ippolito

Reputational Privacy and the Internet: A Matter for Law? , Elizabeth Anne Kirley

Unionization at Justice Canada: A Case Study , Andrij Roman Kowalsky

Tracking Queer Kinships: Assisted Reproduction, Family Law and the Infertility Trap , Stewart Donnell Marvel

Through The Looking Glass: Transparency in the WTO , Maria Panezi

Increasing Innovation in Legal Process: The Contribution of Collaborative Law , Martha Emily Simmons

False Universalism of Global Governance Theories: Global Constitutionalism, Global Administrative Law, International Criminal Institutions and the Global South , Sujith Xavier

Dissertations from 2014 2014

Creating a Cultural Analysis Tool for the Implementation of Ontario's Civil Mental Health Laws , Roby Dhand

Rights and Responsibilities: What are the Prospects for the Responsibility to Protect in the International/Transnational Arena? , Carolyn Helen Filteau

Unanimous Shareholder Agreements , Nicolas William Juzda

Coercing Justice? Exploring the "Aspirations and Practice" of Law as a Tool in Struggles Against Social Inequalities , Karen Schucher

Adjudicating Human Rights in Transitional Contexts: A Nigerian Case-Study, 1999-2009 , Basil Emeka Ugochukwu

Safe Havens or Dangerous Waters? A Phenomenological Study of Abused Women's Experiences in the Family Courts of Ontario , Lois Shereen Winstock

Dissertations from 2013 2013

Securities Regulation of Ontario Venture Issuers: Rules or Principles? , John Pearson Allen

What it is-What it Should Be: An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Procedures and Substantive Arguments on Adjudicative Tribunal Resource Allocation Decisions , Lydia Christine Stewart Ferreira

"The Rise and Fall of Welfare Health Legislation in 20th Century Chile: A Case Study in Political Economy of Law" , Jaime Llambias-Wolff

Exemptions for the non-performance of contractual obligations in cisg article 79 and the quest for uniformity in international sales law , Peter J. Mazzacano

"That Indispensable Figment of the Legal Mind": The Contract of Employment at Common Law in Ontario, 1890-1979 , Claire Isabel Mummé

Law, the American Corporation, and Society , Fenner Leland Stewart Jr.

Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Art of Persuasion: International/Comparative Human Rights, The Supreme Court of Canada and the Reconstitution of the Canadian Security Certificate Regime , Graham Hudson

"I smooth'd him up with fair words": Intersocietal law, from fur trade to treaty , Janna Beth Promislow

Dissertations from 2001 2001

The Constitution of Canada and the Conflict of Laws , Janet Walker

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Harvard Empirical Legal Studies Series

5005 Wasserstein Hall (WCC) 1585 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA02138

Contact the Graduate Program

The  Harvard Empirical Legal Studies (HELS) Series  explores a range of empirical methods, both qualitative and quantitative, and their application in legal scholarship in different areas of the law. It is a platform for engaging with current empirical research, hearing from leading scholars working in a variety of fields, and developing ideas and empirical projects.

HELS is open to all students and scholars with an interest in empirical research. No prior background in empirical legal research is necessary. If you would like to join HELS and receive information about our sessions, please subscribe to our mailing list by completing the HELS mailing list form .

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the current HELS coordinator,  Tiran Bajgiran.

All times are provided in U.S. Eastern Time (UTC/GMT-0400).

Spring 2024 Sessions

Empire and the shaping of american constitutional law.

Aziz Rana, BC Law

Monday, Mar. 25, 12:15 PM Lewis 202

This talk will explore how US imperial practice has influenced the methods and boundaries of American constitutional study.

Historical Approaches to Neoliberal Legality

Quinn Slobodian, Boston University

Thursday, Mar. 28, 12:15 PM Lewis 202

Fall 2023 Sessions

On critical quantitative methods.

Hendrik Theine , WU, Vienna/Univ. of Pennsylvania Monday, Nov. 6, 12:30 PM Lewis 202

Economic inequality is a profound challenge in the United States. Both income and wealth inequality increased remarkably since the 1980s. This growing concentration of economic inequality creates real-world political and societal problems which are increasingly reflected by social science scholarship. Among those detriments is for instance the increasing economic and political power of the super-rich. The research at hand takes a new radical look at media discourses of economic inequality over four decades in various elite US newspapers by way of quantitative critical discourse analysis. It shows that up until recently, there was minimal media coverage of economic inequality, but interest has steadily increased since then. Initially, the focus was primarily on income inequality, but over time, it has expanded to encompass broader issues of inequality. Notably, the discourse on economic inequality is significantly influenced by party politics and elections. The study also highlights certain limitations in the discourse. Critiques of inequality tend to remain at a general level, discussing concepts like capitalist and racial inequality. There is relatively less focus on policy-related discussions, such as tax reform, or discussions centered around specific actors, like the wealthy and their charitable contributions.

Spring 2023 Sessions

How to conduct qualitative empirical legal scholarship.

Jessica Silbey , Professor of Law at Boston University Yanakakis Faculty Research Scholar

Friday, March 31, 12:30 PM WCC 3034

This session explores the benefits and some limitations of qualitative research methods to study intellectual property law. It compares quantitative research methods and the economic analysis of law in the same field as other kinds of empirical inquiry that are helpful in collaboration but limited in isolation. Creativity and innovation, the practices intellectual property law purports to regulate, are not amenable to quantification without identifying qualitative variables. The lessons from this session apply across fields of legal research.

Fall 2022 Sessions

How to read quantitative empirical legal scholarship.

Holger Spamann , Lawrence R. Grove Professor of Law

Friday, September 13, 12:30 PM WCC 3007

As legal scholars, what tools do we need to read critically and engage productively with quantitative empirical scholarship? In the first session of the 2022-2023 Harvard Empirical Legal Studies Series, Harvard Law School Professor Holger Spamann will compare and discuss different quantitative studies. This session will be a first approximation to be able to understand and eventually produce empirical legal scholarship. All students and scholars interested in empirical research are welcome and encouraged to attend.

How do People Learn from Not Being Caught? An Experimental Investigation of a “Non-Occurrence Bias”

Tom Zur , John M. Olin Fellow and SJD candidate, HLS

Friday, November 4, 2:00 PM WCC 3007

The law and economics literature on specific deterrence has long theorized that offenders rationally learn from being caught and sanctioned. This paper presents evidence from a randomized controlled trial showing that offenders learn differently when not being caught as compared to being caught, which we call a “non-occurrence bias.” This implies that the socially optimal level of investment in law enforcement should be lower than stipulated by rational choice theory, even on grounds of deterrence alone.

Empirical Legal Research: Using Data and Methodology to Craft a Research Agenda

Florencia Marotta-Wurgler , NYU Boxer Family Professor of Law Faculty Director, NYU Law in Buenos Aires

Monday, November 14, 12:30 PM Lewis 202

Using a series of examples, this discussion will focus on strategies to conduct empirical legal research and develop a robust research agenda. Topics will include creating a data set and leveraging to answer unexplored questions, developing meaningful methodologies to address legal questions, building on existing work to develop a robust research agenda, and engaging the process of automation and scaling up to develop large scale data sets using machine learning approaches. 

Resources for Empirical Research

• HLS Library Empirical Research Service
• Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Research (IQSS)
• Harvard Committee on the Use of Human Subjects
• Qualtrics Harvard
• Harvard Kennedy School Behavioral Insights Group

Past HELS Sessions

Holger Spamann (Lawrence R. Grove Professor of Law) – How to Read Quantitative Empirical Legal Scholarship?

Katerina Linos (Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law) – Qualitative Methods for Law Review Writing

Aziza Ahmed (Professor of Law at UC Irvine School of Law) – Risk and Rage: How Feminists Transformed the Law and Science of AIDS

Amy Kapczynski and Yochai Benkler –(Professor of Law at Yale; Professor of Law at Harvard) Law & Political Economy and the Question of Method

Jessica Silbey – (Boston University School of Law) Ethnography in Legal Scholarship

Roberto Tallarita – (Lecturer on Law, and Associate Director of the Program on Corporate Governance at Harvard) The Limits of Portfolio Primacy

Susan S. Silbey – (Leon and Anne Goldberg Professor of Humanities, Sociology and Anthropology at MIT) HELS with Susan Silbey: Analyzing Ethnographic Data and Producting New Theory

Cass R. Sunstein  (University Professor at Harvard) – Optimal Sludge? The Price of Program Integrity

Scott L. Cummings  (Professor of Legal Ethics and Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law) – The Making of Public Interest Lawyers

Elliot Ash  (Assistant Professor of Law, Economics, and Data Science at ETH Zürich) – Gender Attitudes in the Judiciary: Evidence from U.S. Circuit Courts

Kathleen Thelen  (Ford Professor of Political Science at MIT) – Employer Organization in the United States: Historical Legacies and the Long Shadow of the American Courts

Omer Kimhi  (Associate Professor at Haifa University Law School) – Caught In a Circle of Debt – Consumer Bankruptcy Discharge and Its Aftereffects

Suresh Naidu  (Professor in Economics and International and Public Affairs, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs) – Ideas Have Consequences: The Impact of Law and Economics on American Justice

Vardit Ravitsky  (Full Professor at the Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal) – Empirical Bioethics: The Example of Research on Prenatal Testing

Johnnie Lotesta  (Postdoctoral Democracy Fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School) – Opinion Crafting and the Making of U.S. Labor Law in the States

David Hagmann  (Harvard Kennedy School) – The Agent-Selection Dilemma in Distributive Bargaining

Cass R. Sunstein  (Harvard Law School) – Rear Visibility and Some Problems for Economic Analysis (with Particular Reference to Experience Goods)

Talia Gillis  (Ph.D. Candidate and S.J.D. Candidate, Harvard Business School and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Law School) – False Dreams of Algorithmic Fairness: The Case of Credit Pricing

Tzachi Raz (Ph.D. Candidate in Economics at Harvard University) – There’s No Such Thing as Free Land: The Homestead Act and Economic Development

Crystal Yang (Harvard Law School) – Fear and the Safety Net: Evidence from Secure Communities

Adaner Usmani (Harvard Sociology) – The Origins of Mass Incarceration

Jim Greiner (Harvard Law School) – Randomized Control Trials in the Legal Profession

Talia Shiff  (Postdoctoral Fellow, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and Department of Sociology, Harvard University) – Legal Standards and Moral Worth in Frontline Decision-Making: Evaluations of Victimization in US Asylum Determinations

Francesca Gino (Harvard Business School) – Rebel Talent

Joscha Legewie (Department of Sociology, Harvard University) – The Effects of Policing on Educational Outcomes and Health of Minority Youth

Ryan D. Enos (Department of Government, Harvard University) – The Space Between Us: Social Geography and Politics

Katerina Linos (Berkeley Law, University of California) – How Technology Transforms Refugee Law

Roie Hauser (Visiting Researcher at the Program on Corporate Governance, Harvard Law School) – Term Length and the Role of Independent Directors in Acquisitions

Anina Schwarzenbach (Fellow, National Security Program, the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School) – A Challenge to Legitimacy: Effects of Stop-and-Search Police Contacts on Young People’s Relations with the Police

Cass R. Sunstein (Harvard Law School) – Willingness to Pay to Use Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat, and More: A National Survey

Netta Barak-Corren (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) – The War Within

James Greiner & Holger Spamann (Harvard Law School) – Panel: Why​ ​Does​ ​the​ ​Legal​ ​Profession​ ​Resist​ ​Rigorous​ ​Empiricism?

Mila Versteeg (University of Virginia School of Law) (with Adam Chilton) – Do Constitutional Rights Make a Difference?

Susan S. Silbey (MIT Department of Anthropology) (with Patricia Ewick) – The Common Place of Law

Holger Spamann (Harvard Law School) – Empirical Legal Studies: What They Are and How NOT to Do Them

Arevik Avedian (Harvard Law School) – How to Read an Empirical Paper in Law

James Greiner (Harvard Law School) – Randomized Experiments in the Law

Robert MacCoun (Stanford Law School) – Coping with Rapidly Changing Standards and Practices in the Empirical Sciences (including ELS)

Mario Small (Harvard Department of Sociology) – Qualitative Research in the Big Data Era

Adam Chilton (University of Chicago Law School) – Trade Openness and Antitrust Law

Jennifer Lerner (Harvard Kennedy School and Department of Psychology) – Anger in Legal Decision Making

Sarah Dryden-Peterson (Harvard Graduate School of Education) – Respect, Reciprocity, and Relationships in Interview-Based Research

Charles Wang (Harvard Business School) – Natural Experiments and Court Rulings

Guhan Subramanian (Harvard Law School) – Determining Fair Value

James Greiner (Harvard Law School) – Randomized Control Trials and the Impact of Legal Aid

Maya Sen (Harvard Kennedy School) – The Political Ideologies of Law Clerks and their Judges

Daria Roithmayr (University of Southern California Law School) – The Dynamics of Police Violence

Crystal Yang (Harvard Law School) – Empiricism in the Service of Criminal Law and Theory

Oren Bar-Gill (Harvard Law School) – Is Empirical Legal Studies Changing Law and Economics?

Elizabeth Linos (Harvard Kennedy School; VP, Head of Research and Evaluation, North America, Behavioral Insights Team) – Behavioral Law and Economics in Action: BIT, BIG, and the policymaking of choice architecture

Meira Levinson (Harvard School of Education) – Justice in Schools: Qualitative Sociological Research and Normative Ethics in Schools

Howell Jackson (HLS) – Cost-Benefit Analysis

Michael Heise (Cornell Law School) – Quantitative Research in Law: An Introductory Workshop

Susan Silbey (MIT) – Interviews: An Introductory Workshop

Kevin Quinn (UC Berkeley) – Quantifying Judicial Decisions

Holger Spamman (Harvard Law School) – Comparative Empirical Research

James Greiner (Harvard Law School) – Randomized Controlled Trials in the Research of Legal Problems

Michael Heise (Cornell Law School) – Quantitative Research in Law

James Greiner (Harvard Law School) – A Typology of Empirical Methods in Law

David Wilkins (Harvard Law School) – Mixed Methods Work and the Legal Profession

Tom Tyler (Yale Law School) – Fairness and Policing

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Edinburgh Research Archive

•   ERA Home
• Law, School of

Law thesis and dissertation collection

By Issue Date Authors Titles Subjects Publication Type Sponsor Supervisors

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Presented here is a selection of theses and dissertations from the School of Law. Please note that this is not a complete record of all degrees awarded by the School.

This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Recent Submissions

Challenges and limitations of granting legal personality to distributed/decentralized autonomous organizations , development of international shipping standards under the auspices of the imo and their implementation in practice: a case study of thailand , adequacy of the ex post armed attack framework of the jus ad bellum in relation to the evolving means and methods of warfare , governing disputed maritime areas , what we say when we criminalise: a metanormative inquiry , testamentary law in england, c. 1450-1540 , sovereign immunity from execution of foreign arbitral awards in the 21st century , conceptualizations of addiction in harm reduction strategies for effective and ethical uk drug policy , liminality and the lived experience of law in medicine: the legal consciousness of physicians in encounters with people living as undocumented migrants , contested citizenship and statelessness in question: an anlysis of cases of overseas taiwanese people and tibetan exiles in taiwan , eternity and the constitution: the promise and limits of eternity clauses , hate speech in the british press: a theoretical and practical assessment of the case for broader regulation , liberty versus security under illiberal constitutionalism: the legality of criminalising humanitarian assistance in hungary and greece , operationalising ‘publicness’ in data-intensive health research regulation: an examination of the public interest as a regulatory device , worldmaking powers of law and performance: queer politics beyond/against neoliberal legalism , development of law of the sea by unclos dispute settlement procedures: towards a coherent jurisprudence , evaluating the european union's response to online misinformation and disinformation: how to address harm while maximising freedom of expression , reconciling reverse burdens of proof with the presumption of innocence: a new approach , uses of roman law in the construction of the concept of possession in the german-speaking countries in the nineteenth century , paths of effectiveness, fairness and legitimacy for eliciting public confidence in policing and cooperation with the police in monterrey metropolitan neighbourhoods .

• Completed DPhil Projects

The University’s legal research community includes more than 200 postgraduate students engaged in research degrees in the Law Faculty and its centres. It is one of the largest and most intellectually diverse research communities in the world. Many of our research degree alumni are now global leaders in the fields of academia, legal practice, the judiciary and public service. The following list gives details of completed DPhil theses since 2010, with many of these DPhils generating published work in articles and books at the cutting edge of legal scholarship. Many other master’s and doctoral research theses are held in the collection of the University’s Bodleian Law Library.

Administrative and Constitutional Law

Civil procedure and evidence, commercial law, comparative law, competition law, computers and law, conflict of laws, contract law, corporate insolvency law, corporate law, criminology and criminal law, environmental law, human rights law, intellectual property law, international trade law, jurisprudence, law and finance, law of obligations, legal history, medical law and ethics, principles of financial regulation, property law, completed dphils in public international law, socio-legal studies.

• Research Groups
• Research Programmes
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
• Research Overview
• Graduate Discussion Groups

• Schools & departments

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Law

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

Research profile

The Edinburgh Law School is a vibrant, collegial and enriching community of legal, sociolegal and criminology researchers and offers an excellent setting for doctoral research.

Edinburgh Law School is ranked 3rd in the UK for law for the quality and breadth of our research by Research Professional, based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).

Our doctoral researchers are key to the School’s research activities, and we work hard to ensure that they are fully engaged with staff and projects across all of our legal disciplines.

You will find opportunities in the following fields:

• company and commercial law
• comparative law
• constitutional and administrative law
• criminal law
• criminology and criminal justice
• environmental law
• European law, policy and institutions
• European private law
• evidence and procedure
• gender and sexuality
• human rights law
• information technology law
• intellectual property law
• international law
• legal theory
• medical law and ethics
• obligations
• contract delict
• unjustified enrichment
• property, trusts and successions
• Roman law and legal history
• socio-legal studies

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Doctoral researchers enjoy full access to the University’s research skills training which the Law School complements with a tailored research and wider skills programme.

The training programme in Year One (six seminars) includes workshops on research design, writing and research ethics.

The focus of the training programme in Year Two and Three is on supporting the dissemination of work with opportunities to present work.

Opportunities are also available for research exchanges through the League of European Research (LERU) network, as well as an annual research training exchange programme with KU Leuven.

• Find out more about the training and support available

Doctoral researchers are able to draw upon a fantastic range of resources and facilities to support their research.

The Law School has one of the most significant academic law libraries in the UK which offers outstanding digital resources alongside a world-leading print collection (almost 60,000 items including a unique collection for Scots law research).

You will also have access to the University’s Main Library which has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain, as well as the legal collection of the National Library of Scotland.

Career opportunities

Upon completion of the PhD, the majority of our students progress to postdoctoral research or lecturing and teaching roles.

Recent graduates have also found employment in roles as diverse as prison governor, solicitor and policy adviser for organisations including:

• the International Criminal Court
• Anderson Strathern
• HM Prison Service

Our PhD programme

Edinburgh Law School can offer expert supervision across an exceptional range of subject areas for PhD study.

A PhD at Edinburgh Law School involves undertaking independent research, culminating in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words, which should be an original piece of work that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of study and contains material worthy of publication.

As a doctoral student, you will join a diverse community of around 100 postgraduate researchers and will become an integral part of the intellectual life of the School.

• Find our more about studying for a PhD at Edinburgh Law School

Studying for a PhD video

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

• PhD Law: a UK 2:1 honours degree in law, arts or social sciences, and a UK Masters degree with at least 60% in the taught section and 65% or more in the dissertation, or their international equivalents.

The majority of our applicants have studied law, but we are a comprehensive Law School covering a range of approaches to legal topics including social science, historical and philosophical enquiry; applications from non-law students with relevant studies and experience will be considered and if you require further guidance please contact us.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• School of Law funding opportunities
• Research scholarships for international students
• Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2022
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Law (Postgraduate Research Office)
• Old College
• South Bridge
• Central Campus
• Programme: Law
• School: Law
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Law - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd law - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Stanford Law School's Theses and Dissertations Collection

• Early Thesis and Dissertation of Stanford Law School, 1929 to 1956
• Theses and Dissertations of Stanford Law School,1970-1995
• Stanford Program in International Legal Studies’ Theses, 1996 to 2010
• Stanford Law School’s Dissertations, 1996 to 2010
• Stanford Program in International Legal Studies Theses, 2011 to 2025

Collection Description

This collection contains Stanford Law School Students’ theses and dissertations written to fulfill the academic requirements for advanced degrees.   Historically, the collection of Theses and Dissertations were produced as part of the requirement coursework for receiving a Master of Laws (1933-1969), a Juris Doctor (1906-1932), or a Doctor of Jurisprudence.  

Currently, works received from students are produced under two different graduate programs.  Thesis are works were produced as part of the requirement for the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies (SPILS). SPILS was established in 1995 by Professors Lawrence Friedman and Thomas C. Heller, to educate international students, lawyers, judges, public officials, and other professionals trained in the study of law outside the United States.  Students in the SPILS Program are required to do interdisciplinary research that affects the global community.  The culmination of this program is a research project that each individual student develops over the course of the year under a faculty advisor, after which the earns a Master of the Science of Law degree.  The research project must demonstrate the student's ability to employ empirical methods of investigation and must addresses issues in the international community or within a specific country.  These can cover a large range of topics that analyze legal cultures, legal reforms, or public policy.  

Dissertations are produced under Doctor of Science of Law program or JSD.  The JSD program as we know it was revised for the Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1969 is designed for students who are interested in pursuing an academic career. Doctor of Science of Law Students are selected from the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies and those who have a postgraduate degree in Legal Studies.

All materials in this collection were donated by individual authors to the Stanford Law Library's Special Collections.

Collection Identity Number: LAW-3781

Finding Aid prepared by

Robert Crown Law Library Stanford, CA 94305-8610 Phone: 650.723-2477

• Last Updated: Dec 18, 2023 9:02 AM
• URL: https://guides.law.stanford.edu/c.php?g=1087208

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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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LSE Law PhD completions

The opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools.

Below is a listed of recently completed PhD theses at LSE Law School.

Click here if you would like to browse our list of current PhD research.

LSE Law School students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2022/23:

Dr Sina Akbari ‘Normative Dimensions of the Practice of Private Law’ Supervisors: Dr Charlie Webb and Dr Emmanuel Voyiakis

Dr Stephanie  Claßmann ‘What we do to each other: criminal law for political realists’ Supervisors:  Professor Nicola Lacey and Professor Peter Ramsay  

Dr Raphael Girard 'Populism, Law and the Courts: Space and Time and in an Age of “Constitutional Impatience' Supervisors:   Dr Jo Murkens  and  Dr Jacco Bomhoff

Dr Rachna Matabudul   'Tax treaty dispute resolution: lessons from the law of the sea'  Supervisors:   Mr Eduardo Baistrocchi and Dr Andrew Summers

Dr Tanmay Misra ‘The Invention of Corruption: India and the License Raj’ Supervisors:  Professor Susan Marks and Professor Stephen Humphreys

Dr Mireia Garcés De Marcilla Musté ‘Designing, Fixing, and Mutilating the Vulva:  Exploring the Meanings of Vulval Cutting’ Supervisors:  Professor Emily Jackson and Professor Nicola Lacey

Dr Mattia Pinto ‘Human Rights as Sources of Penality‘ Supervisors: Professor Peter Ramsay  and  Professor Conor Gearty

Dr Morris Schonberg ‘The Notion of Selective Advantage in EU State Aid Law – An Equality of Opportunity Approach’ Supervisors:   Dr Pablo Ibáñez Colomo and Dr Orla Lynskey

Dr Aleks Stipanovich (Bojovic) 'Environmental Assessment of Trade: Origins and Critiques of Effectiveness' Supervisors:  Professor Veerle Heyvaert  and Professor Andrew Lang

Dr John Taggart 'Examining the role of the intermediary in the criminal justice system' Supervisors:   Dr Meredith Rossner  and  Dr Abenaa Owusu-Bempah

Dr Francesca Uberti 'Vaccine Opposition in the Information Age: A Study on Online Activism and DIY Citizenship' Supervisors:   Professor Emily Jackson and Professor Linda Mulcahy

LSE Law School students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2021/22:

Dr Irene Claeys 'The construction of a Regulatory Risk Device: an Examination of the Historical Emergence and Performative Effects of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s Market Risk Framework' Supervisors :    Professor Andrew Lang  and  Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Alex Damianos 'Ratifying the Anthropocene: A study of the Anthropocene Working Group’s ongoing effort to formalize the Anthropocene as a geologic unit of the Geologic Time Scale' Supervisors:  Dr Stephen Humphreys and Professor Alain Pottage

Dr Jonathan Fisher 'Mandatory self-reporting of criminal conduct by a company: corporate rights and engaging the privilege against self-incrimination' Supervisors :  Professor Jeremy Horder  and  Professor David Kershaw

Dr Ilan Gafni ‘Rethinking the Negligence Liability of Public Authorities in English Law’ Supervisors:   Professor Thomas Poole  and  Dr Emmanuel Voyiakis

Dr Benjamin Goh 'The Literary Unconscious: Rereading Authorship and Copyright with Kant’s "On the Wrongfulness of Reprinting" (1785)' Supervisors : Professor Alain Pottage and Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Joanne Sonin  'The evolution of the shareholder: legal change, deflection, and constancy'  Supervisors: Professor David Kershaw and Mr Edmund Schuster

LSE Law School students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2020/21:

Dr Fatima Ahdash 'Examining the Recent Interaction Between Family Law and Counter-Terrorism' Supervisors:   Professor Conor Gearty , Professor Emily Jackson and Dr Peter Ramsay

Dr Mackenzie Common 'The implications of social media content moderation for human rights and the rule of law' Supervisors:   Professor Conor Gearty and Professor Andrew Murray

Dr Geetanjali Ganguly 'Towards a transnational law of climate change: transnational litigation at the boundaries of science and law' Supervisors:   Professor Veerle Heyvaert and Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Priya Gupta 'Leveraging the city: urban governance in financial capitalism' Supervisors: Dr Tatiana Flessas and Professor Alain Pottage 

Dr Callum Musto 'States’ regulatory powers and the turn to public law in international investment law and arbitration' Supervisors: Dr Jan Kleinheisterkamp and  Professor Andrew Lang

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2019/20:

Dr Martin Clark 'The international and domestic in British legal thought from Gentili to Lauterpacht' Supervisors:  Professor Gerry Simpson and Professor Tom Poole    

Dr Sroyon Mukherjee 'Context-driven choices: environmental valuation in the courtroom'   Supervisors: Professor Veerle Heyvaert ,   Dr Margot Salomon and Dr Tatiana Flessas

Dr Wendy Teeder 'Judicial review and the vanishing trial' Supervisors:  Professor Linda Mulcahy and Dr Meredith Rossner

Dr Zlatin Zlatev 'Approaches towards the concept of non-pecuniary losses deriving from breach of contract' Supervisors:  Dr Charlie Webb  and  Dr Solène Rowan

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2018/19:

Dr Jacob Bronsther 'Long-term incarceration and the moral limits of punishment' Supervisiors:  Professor Nicola Lacey and Professor Peter Ramsay

Dr Tor Krever 'The ideological origins of piracy in international thought' Supervisors:  Professor Susan Marks  and  Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Dagmar Myslinska 'Not quite white: the gap between EU rhetoric and the experience of Poles’ mobility to the UK' Supervisors:  Professor Nicola Lacey and Dr Coretta Phillips

Dr Signe Rehling Larsen 'The European Union as a federation: a constitutional analysis' Supervisors:  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Dr Michael Wilkinson

Dr Dvora Liberman 'Conductors of the legal system: An oral history study of the everyday lives of the crown court clerks form 1972-2015' Supervisors:  Professor Linda Mulcahy  and Rob Perks (British Library)

Dr Barbara Pick 'Empirical analysis of geographical indications in France and Vietnam: opportunities and constraints' Supervisors:  Professor Alain Pottage and Dr Dev Gangjee

Dr Rafael Lima Sakr 'Law and lawyers in the making of regional trade regimes: the rise and fall of legal doctrines on the international trade law and governance of south-north regionalism' Supervisors:  Dr Jan Kleinheisterkamp  and Professor Andrew Lang 

Dr Ryan Stones 'EU competition law and the rule of law: justification and realisation' Supervisors:  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Professor Pablo Ibanez Colomo  

Dr Rebecca Sutton 'The international humanitarian actor as ‘Civilian Plus’: The circulation of the idea of distinction in international law' Supervisors:   Professor Gerry Simpson  and  Dr Devika Hovell

Dr Sarah Trotter 'On coming to terms: how European human rights law imagines the human condition' Supervisors:  Professor Damian Chalmers and Dr Kai Möller

Dr Moiz Tundawala 'In the shadow of swaraj: constituent power and the Indian political' Supervisors:  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Dr Thomas Poole

Dr David Vitale 'Political trust and the enforcement of constitutional social rights' Supervisors:  Dr Jo Murkens  and  Professor Thomas Poole

Dr Sally Ann Way 'Human rights from the Great Depression to the Great Recession: The United States, 'western' liberalism and the shaping of the economic and social rights in international law' Supervisors:  Professor Susan Marks  and  Dr Margot Salomon

Dr Aaron Wu 'Sustaining International Law: history, nature, and the politics of global ordering'  Supervisors:  Professor Susan Marks  and  Dr Stephen Humphreys  

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2017/18:

Dr Michael Akpomiemie 'The social context of business and the tax system'     Supervisors:   Eduardo Baistrocchi  and  Ian Roxan

Dr Bernard Keenan 'Interception: Law, Media, and Techniques' Supervisors :  Alain Pottage  and  Professor Conor Gearty

Dr Kate Leader 'Fifteen stories: litigants in person in the civil justice system' Supervisors:  Professor Nicola Lacey   and  Professor Linda Mulcahy

Dr Sally Zhu 'Law embodied: re-imagining a material legal normativity'      Supervisors:  Dr Emmanuel Melissaris and  Dr Michael Wilkinson

Dr Velimir Zivkovic 'International investment protection and the national rule of law: A normative framework for a new approach' Supervisors:  Dr Jan Kleinheisterkamp and  Dr Chris Thomas

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2016/17:

Dr Samuel Tschorne Venegas 'The theoretical turn in British public law scholarship' Supervisors :  Professor Martin Loughlin  and Professor Damian Chalmers

Dr Simon Witney 'The Corporate governance of private equity-backed companies' Supervisors :  Professor David Kershaw  and Dr Carsten Gerner-Beuerle

Dr Henrietta Zeffert 'Home and international law' Supervisors:  Professor Susan Marks  and  Professor Linda Mulcahy

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2015/16:

Dr Jarleth Burke 'A market and government failure critique of services of general economic interest: testing the centrality and strictness of Article 106(2) TFEU' Supervisors:  Dr Pablo Ibanez Colomo  and  Dr Andrew Scott

Dr Marie Burton 'Calling for Justice: Comparing telephone and face-to-face advice in social welfare legal aid' Supervisors:   Professor Linda Mulcahy  and  Dr Jo Braithwaite

Dr Anna Chadwick 'Financial speculation, hunger and the global food crisis: whither regulation' Supervisors:   Professor Susan Marks  and Professor Andrew Lang

Dr Ailbhe O’Loughlin 'Balancing rights? Personality disordered offenders, the public and the promise of rehabilitation' Supervisors:   Professor Jill Peay  and  Dr Peter Ramsay

Dr Anne Saab 'Towards a new food regime? Legal inquiries into climate-ready seeds and hunger' Supervisors:   Professor Susan Marks  and  Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Orly Stern 'The principle of distinction and women in African conflict' Supervisors:   Professor Christine Chinkin  and  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Chieh Wang 'Sexuality, gender, justice and law: rethinking normative heterosexuality and sexual justice from the perspectives of queer humanist men and masculinities studies' S upervisors:  Professor Hugh Collins and  Dr Manolis Melissaris

Dr Susannah Willcox 'Climate change inundation and Atoll Island states: implications for human rights, self-determination and statehood' Supervisors:  Dr Margot Salomon  and Professor Leif Wenar

Dr Elena Zaccaria 'Proprietary rights in indirectly held securities: legal risks and future challenges' Supervisors:  Professor Michael Bridge and  Dr Eva Micheler

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2014/15:

Dr Sinead Agnew 'What we talk about when we talk about conscience: the meaning and function of conscience in commercial law doctrince' Supervisors:  Dr Charlie Webb  and Professor Sarah Worthington

Dr Saskia King 'Agreements that restrict competition by object under Article 101(1) TFEU: past, present and future' Supervisors:  Professor Giorgio Monti and  Dr Andrew Scott

Dr Dean Knight 'Vigilance and restraint in the common law of judicial review: scope, grounds, intensity, context' Supervisors :  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Dr Thomas Poole

Dr Robert Knox 'A critical examination of the concept of imperialism in Marxist and third world approaches to international law' Supervisor:  Professor Susan Marks

Dr Ewan McGaughey 'Participation in Corporate Governance' Supervisor:  Professor David Kershaw

Dr Mark Searl 'A Normative Theory of International Law Based on New Natural Law Theory' Supervisors:   Dr. Emmanuel Melissaris  and  Dr Stephen Humphreys

Dr Yin Xiao 'Analysing the Enforcement Dimension of Regulatory Competition: A Cultural Institutionalist Approach' Supervisors:  Professor Julia Black  and Professor Francis Snyder

Dr Keina Yoshida 'The cinematic jurisprudence of gender crimes: the ICTY and film' Supervisors:   Professor Linda Mulcahy  and  Professor Christine Chinkin

Dr Zhanwei Zang

'Law, state and society in the PRC: a case study of family planning regulation implementation at grassroots level in rural China' Supervisors:  Professor Tim Murphy  and Dr Helen Reece

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2013/14:

Dr Helen Coverdale 'Punishing with care: treating offenders as equal persons in criminal punishment' Supervisors:  Professor Nicola Lacey  and  Dr Peter Ramsay  and Professor Anne Phillips

Dr Johanna Jacques 'From Nomus to Hegung: war captivity and international order' Supervisors:  Professor Tim Murphy  and  Mr Alain Pottage

Dr Nicolas Lamp 'Lawmaking in the Multilateral Trading System' Supervisors:  Dr Andrew Lang and  Mr Alain Pottage

Dr Charles Majinge 'The United Nations, The African Union and the rule of law in Southern Sudan' Supervisors:  Dr Chaloka Beyani  and  Professor Christine Chinkin

Dr Vladimir Meerovitch 'Investor Protection and equity markets: an evaluation of private enforcement of related party transactions in Russia' Supervisor:  Professor David Kershaw

Dr Karla O'Regan 'Beyond Illusion: A juridical genealogy of consent in criminal and medical law' Supervisor:  Professor Susan Marks

Dr Megan Pearson 'Religious exemptions to equality laws: reconciling religious freedom with gay rights' Supervisors:  Professor Conor Gearty  and  Dr Kai Moller

Dr Nicolas Perrone 'The International Investment Regime and Foreign Investors' Rights: Another View of a Popular Story' Supervisors:  Dr Andrew Lang and Dr Ken Shadlen

Dr Yaniv Roznai 'Unconstitutional constitutional amendments: a study of the nature and limits of constitutional amendment powers' Supervisors :  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Dr Thomas Poole

Dr Amarjit Singh 'Compliance requirements under International Law: the illustration of human rights compliance in international projects' Supervisor:  Professor Christine Chinkin

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2012/13:

Dr Perveen Ali 'States in crisis: sovereignty, humanitarianism and refugee protection in the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq war' Supervisors:  Dr Chaloka Beyani  and  Dr Margot Salomon

Dr Kirsten Campbell 'The justice of humans: humanitarian crimes and the laws of war' Supervisors:   Dr Stephen Humphreys  and  Professor Nicola Lacey

Dr Zelia Gallo 'The penalty of politics: punishment in contemporary Italy 1970-2000' Supervisors:  Professor Nicola Lacey  and  Dr Peter Ramsay

Dr Ugljesa Grusic 'The international employment contract; ideal, reality and regulatory function of European private international law of employment  Supervisor:  Professor Hugh Collins and  Dr Jan Kleinheisterkamp

Dr Chi Hsing Ho ' Socio-legal perspectives on biobanking: the case of Taiwan' Supervisors :  Professor Tim Murphy

Dr Mary Catherine Lucey 'The interface between competition law and the restraint of trade doctrine for professionals: understanding its evolution and proposing its solution' Supervisor:  Professor Hugh Collins

Dr Sabina Manea Instrumentalising Property: An Analysis of Rights in the EU Emissions Trading System Supervisors:  Professor Julia Black  and  Dr Veerle Heyvaert

Dr Udoka Nwosu 'Head of state immunity in international law' Supervisor:  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Daniel Wang 'Can litigation promote fairness in Healthcare? The judicial review of rationing decisions in Brazil and England.' Supervisors:  Professor Conor Gearty  and  Dr Thomas Poole

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2011/12:

Dr Luis Barroso 'The Problems and the Controls of the New Administrative State of the EU' Supervisors:  Professor Julia Black  and Professor Damian Chalmers

Dr Paul Benral 'Do deficiencies in data privacy threaten ourautonomy and if so, can informational privacy rights meet this threat?' Supervisors:  Professor Conor Gearty  and  Professor Andrew Murray

Dr Paraskevi Boukli 'Imaginary penalities: reconsidering anti-trafficking discourses and technologies' Supervisors:  Professor Christine Chinkin  and  Professor Susan Marks

Dr Isabel Calich 'The impact of globalisation on the position of developing countries in the international tax system' Supervisor:  Ian Roxan

Dr Benjamin Dille Ill fares the land: the legal consequences of land confiscations by the Sandinista Government of Nicaragua,1979-1990 Supervisor:  Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Seema Farazi 'Nuclear Threats and Military Responses' Supervisors:  Professor Christine Chinkin  and  Professor Susan Marks

Dr Eyal Geva 'Corporate and Corporate Insolvency Restructuring: Employee Voice in an Anglo-American Perspective' Supervisor:  Professor Vanessa Finch

Dr David Hood 'What model for regulating employee discipline and grievances most effectively supports the policy objective of partnership at work?' Supervisors:  Professor Hugh Collins and  Professor David Kershaw

Dr Matthew John 'Rethinking the Secular State: Perspective on Constitutional Law in Post-Colonial India' Supervisors :  Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Professor Tim Murphy

Dr Andreas Kotsakis 'The Biological Diversity Complex: A History of Environmental Government' Supervisors:   Dr Veerle Heyvaert  and  Professor Martin Loughlin

Dr Emily Laidlaw  'Internet Gatekeepers, Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibilities'  Supervisors :  Professor Conor Gearty  and  Professor Andrew Murray

Dr Jeffrey Benjamin Meyers 'Toward a Negri-inspired theory of c/Constitution: A Canadian case study' Supervisors:  Professor Tim Murphy  and  Dr Igor Stramignoni

Dr Abhijit Pandya  'Coherence and Interpretations of the Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in Investment Treaty Arbitration' Supervisors:  Dr Andrew Lang and  Dr Jan Kleinheisterkamp

Dr Lorenzo Sasso 'Capital structure and corporate governance: the role of hybrid financial instruments' Supervisors:  Professor Paul Davies and  Dr Eva Micheler

Dr Chenwei Zhu   'Authoring Collaborative Projects: A Study of Intellectual Property and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Licensing Schemes from a Relational Contract Perspective' Supervisors :  Anne Barron  and  Professor Linda Mulcahy

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2010/11:

Dr Miguel Correia 'The Taxation of Corporate Groups Under a Corporation Income Tax: An Interdisciplinary and Comparative Tax Law Analysis.' Supervisor:  Ian Roxan

Dr Christine Evans 'The Right to Reparations in International Law for Victims of Armed Conflict: Convergence of Law and Practice?' Supervisors:   Dr Margot Salomon  and  Professor Gerry Simpson

Dr Emily Haslam 'Between Consent and Contestation: Civil Society, Justice and International Criminal Law' Supervisors:   Dr Margot Salomon  and  Professor Gerry Simpson

Dr Guoming Li 'The Constitutional relationship between China and Hong Kong: a study of the status of Hong Kong in China's system of government under the principle of "one country, two systems"'  Supervisors:   Professor Martin Loughlin  and  Professor Tim Murphy

Dr Jiabo Liu 'Copyright Expansion and Industrial Growth : A Case Study of the UK Book Publishing Industry'  Supervisor:   Professor Andrew Murray

Dr David Mangan Thesis Title: 'Challenges of Change: Teachers, Government and Reform' Supervisors:  Professor David Kershaw , Dr Julian Fulbrook and Dr Bob Simpson.

Dr Charlotte Peevers 'Justifying Force: From the Suez Crisis to the Iraq War' Supervisors:  Dr Andrew Lang and Ms Anthea Roberts

Dr Stephanie Roberts 'The Decision Making Process of Appeals Against Conviction in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)' Supervisor:   Professor Andrew Murray

Dr Edite Ronnen 'Mediation in a Conflict Society. An Ethnographic View on Mediation Processes in Israel.' Supervisor: Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Matteo Solinas 'Legal evolution and hybridization: The law shares transfer in England' Supervisors:  Dr Eva Micheler  and  Professor David Kershaw

Dr Kraijakr Thiratayakinant 'Multilateral supervision of regional trade agreements: developing countries' perspectives' Supervisors: Professor Francis Snyder and Dr Andrew Lang

Dr Qianlan Wu 'Competition Laws, Globalization and Legal Pluralism: China's Experience' Supervisors:  Dr Andrew Lang and Professor Francis Snyder

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2009/10:

Dr Ely Aharonson The Role of'Pro-Black' Criminalization Policy in Enabling and Contraining the Mobilization of Eqalitarian Racial Reform, US 1669-2008 Supervisors:   Professor Robert Reiner  and  Professor Nicola Lacey

Dr Matthias Boizard 'The Sell-Out Right as an Agency Control Mechanism' Supervisor : Professor Paul Davies

Dr Alan Brady 'A Structural, Institutionally Sensitive Model of Proportionality and Deference Under the Human Rights Act 1998' Supervisor:   Professor Conor Gearty  and  Dr Manolis Melissaris

Dr Reza Djojosugito 'The Role of Project Financing in Promoting Transfer of Technology (for the Microelectronic Industry in Indonesia)' Supervisor :  Sir Ross Cranston FBA

Dr Martin Dumas 'On Limitations to the Transformative Power of Consumocratic Law: The Paradigmatic Case of Rugmark.' Supervisors:  Professor Tim Murphy  and  Professor Julia Black

Dr Elizabeth Franey 'Immunity, Individuals and International Law. Which Individuals are Immune from the Jurisdiction of National Courts under International Law? ' Supervisor : Professor Christopher Greenwood and  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Debbie De Girolamo 'The Fugitive Identity of Mediation: Negotiations, Shift Changes and Allusionary Action.' Supervisors:  Professor Simon Roberts and Professor Mike Redmayne

Dr Panagiotis Kapotas 'Positive action as a means to achieve full and effective equality in Europe. ' Supervisor : Professor Hugh Collins and  Dr Thomas Poole

Dr Demetra Pappas 'The Politics of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Comparative Case Study of Emerging Criminal Law and the Criminal Trials of Jack "Dr.Death" Kevorkian.' Supervisors:   Professor Robert Reiner  and Professor Paul Rock

Dr Heba Shahein 'The Development of Competition Law and Policy in Egypt: National and International Factors ' Supervisor : Mr Giorgio Monti and  Dr Andrew Scott

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2008/09:

Dr Aseel Al-Ramahi

'Competing Rationalities: The Evolution of Arbitration in Commercial Disputes in Modern Jordan ' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Natalia Andreicheva 'The Role of Legal Capital Rules in Creditors Protection: Contrasting the Demands of Western Market Economies with Ukraine's Transitional Economy' Supervisor : Professor Sarah Worthington

Dr Marina Brilman 'Georges Canguilhem: Norms and Knowledge in the Life Sciences' Supervisor :  Mr Alain Pottage  and  Dr Emmanuel Melissaris

Dr Alejandro Chehtman 'The Morality of Extraterritorial Punishment' Supervisor :  Professor Gerry Simpson  and Professor Mike Redmayne and Professor Cecile Fabre 

Dr Heather Harrison-Dinniss 'The status and use of computer network attacks in international humanitarian law'  Supervisor : Professor Christopher Greenwood

Dr Kati Kulovesi 'The WTO Dispute Settlement System and the challenge of environment and legitimacy' Supervisor:   Dr Veerle Heyvaert

Dr Indianna Minto 'The role of incumbent firms in telecommunications reform: the case of Jamaica and Ireland' Supervisors:   Professor Robert Baldwin  and Professor Damian Chalmers

Dr Michael Reynolds 'Caseflow Management: A Rudimentary Referee Process, 1919-70' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Jaejin Shim 'The right to equality of workers' Supervisor : Professor Hugh Collins

Dr John Upton 'The Constitutional Thought of Joseph de Maistre' Supervisor :  Professor Martin Loughlin  and Dr Tim Hochstrasse

Dr Marisa Vallely 'Mediation and Conciliation in disputes about special educational needs: Proportionate dispute resolution or justice on the cheap?' Supervisor:   Professor Jill Peay

Dr Ting Xu 'Property rights, governance and socio-economic transformation: the revival of private property and its limits in Post-Mao China' Supervisors:   Professor Tim Murphy  and  Dr Tatiana Flessas

Dr Benjamin Yu Min Yong 'Becoming national: contextualising the construction of the New Zealand Nation-State' Supervisor:   Professor Martin Loughlin

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2007/08:

Dr George Chifor 'Cutting Down the Law to Seize the Devil: Exploring the Relationship between Legality and Legitimacy in the Context of Humanitarian Intervention'  Supervisor :  Professor Gerry Simpson

Dr Sung Soo Hong 'The Regulatory Dilemma in Human Rights: The Status and Role of the National Human Rights Institution' Supervisors:   Professor Tim Murphy  and  Professor Martin Loughlin

Dr Manuel Iturralde 'Punishment and Authoritarian Liberalism: the Politics of Emergency Criminal Justice in Colombia (1984-2006)' Supervisors:   Professor Nicola Lacey  and  Professor Tim Murphy

Dr Michail Kritikos 'Institutions and Science in the Authorization of GMO Releases in the European Union (1990-2007): The False Promise of Proceduralism' Supervisor:  Professor Damian Chalmers and  Dr Veerle Heyvaert

Dr Arlie Loughnan 'Mental Incapacity Defences in Criminal Law' Supervisors:   Professor Nicola Lacey  and  Professor Jill Peay

Dr Duncan Matthews 'Characterising EC Regulation: Emulation, Innovation, Re-regulation' Supervisor:   Professor Robert Baldwin

Dr Guenael Mettraux 'Command responsibility in international law - the boundaries of criminal liability for military commanders and civilian leaders' Supervisor : Professor Christopher Greenwood

Dr Daryl Mundis 'The Law of Naval Exclusion Zones' Supervisor :  Professor Christopher Greenwood

Dr Chidi Odinkalu   'Regional integration and Human Rights in Africa' Supervisor :  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Anestis Papadopoulos  'The Role of the Competition Law and Policy of the EU in the Formation of International Agreements on Competition' Supervisor: Giorgio Monti

Dr Wei Shen 'Beyond the New York Convention' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Charlie Webb 'Property, Unjust Enrichment and Restitution' Supervisor:  Professor Sarah Worthington

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2006/07:

Dr Tola Amodu   'The transformation of planning agreements as regulatory instruments in land-use planning in the twentieth century.' Supervisor   Professor Martin Loughlin

Dr Louise Arimatsu 'Defences in International Criminal Law' Supervisor :  Professor Gerry Simpson

Dr Ruke Dukes 'Workplace worker representation in Germany and the UK: from industrial democracy to partnership' Supervisor : Paul Davies

Dr Christian HjiPanayi   'Double Taxation, Tax Treaties, Treaty Shopping and the European Community' Supervisor :  Dr Ian Roxan

Dr Chieh Huang  State-Trading Countries in the World Trade Organisation - A Case study of Trading Rights Reform in China   Supervisor:  Professor Francis Snyder

Dr Bisher Khasawneh   'An appraisal of the right of return and compensation of Jordanian nationals of Palestinian origin and Jordan's right under international law, to bring claims relating thereto, on their behalf to and against Israel and to seek compensation as a host state in light of the conclusion of the Jordan-Israel peace treaty of 1994.' Supervisor:   Professor Christopher Greenwood

Dr Despina Kyprianou 'The role of the Cyprus Attorney General's Office in Prosecutions: Rhetoric, Ideology and Practice.' Supervisor:   Professor Jill Peay

Dr Virginia Mantouvalou 'Labour Rights under the European Convention on Human Rights' Supervisor : Professor Hugh Collins

Dr Kris Panijpan   'Market dynamics in corporate governance: Lessons from recent developments in English Law' Supervisor:   Professor Tim Murphy

Dr Jungwon Park Minority rights constraints on a State's power to regulate citizenship under international law. Supervisor :  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Law Department students awarded their PhD in the academic session 2005/06:

Dr Shane Bryans 'Prison Governance: An exploration of the changing role and duties of the prison governor in HM Prison Service.' Supervisor :  Professor Robert Reiner

Dr Philip Chang 'Sociological economic analysis of law: A theoretical framework for understanding the correlative aspects of law and economics' Supervisor : Professor Hugh Collins Dr Caitriona Drew 'Population Transfer: The Untold Story of the International Law of Self-Determination' Supervisor :  Professor Christine Chinkin

Dr Jesse Elvin 'Political Correctness, Feminism and Law Reform in England' Supervisor :  Professor Christine Chinkin

Dr Zeina Ghandour   'Indirect rule in Mandate Palestine' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Gus Van Harten 'The emerging system of international investment arbitration' Supervisor :  Professor Martin Loughlin

Dr Kirsten Lampe 'Human rights in the context of EU foreign policy and enlargement' Supervisor :  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Shay Menuchin 'The Dilemma of International Tax Arbitrage: A comparative analysis using the cases of hybrid financial instruments and cross border leasing.' Supervisor :  Dr Ian Roxan

Dr Everard Phillips 'Recognising the language of calypso as "Symbolic Action" in Resolving Conflict in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Rod Rastan 'Closing the Enforcement Gap: The International Criminal Court and National Authorities .' Supervisor :  Professor Christopher Greenwood

Dr Tamara Relis 'Parallel worlds of disputes and mediation' Supervisor : Professor Simon Roberts

Dr Iyiola Solanke 'The evolution of anti-racial discrimination law in England, Germany and the European Union' Supervisor :  Professor Nicola Lacey

Dr Charlotte Steinorth 'Democratic Governance and International Law: Ideas and Realities' Supervisor :  Dr Chaloka Beyani

Dr Stephen Tully 'Corporations and International Lawmaking'

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Access to theses and dissertations from other institutions and from the University of Cambridge

This guide provides information on searching for theses of Cambridge PhDs and for theses of UK universities and universities abroad. 

For information and guidance on depositing your thesis as a cambridge phd, visit the cambridge office of scholarly communication pages on theses here ., this guide gives essential information on how to obtain theses using the british library's ethos service. .

On the last weekend of October, the British Library became the victim of a major cyber-attack. Essential digital services including the BL catalogue, website and online learning resources went dark, with research services like the EThOS collection of more than 600,000 doctoral theses suddenly unavailable. The BL state that they anticipate restoring more services in the next few weeks, but disruption to certain services is now expected to persist for several months. For the latest news on the attack and information on the restoration of services, please follow the BL blog here:  Knowledge Matters blog  and access the LibGuide page here:  British Library Outage Update - Electronic Legal Deposit - LibGuides at University of Cambridge Subject Libraries

A full list of resources for searching theses online is provided by the Cambridge A-Z, available here .

University of Cambridge theses

Finding a cambridge phd thesis online via the institutional repository.

The University's institutional repository, Apollo , holds full-text digital versions of over 11,000 Cambridge PhD theses and is a rapidly growing collection deposited by Cambridge Ph.D. graduates. Theses in Apollo can be browsed via this link . More information on how to access theses by University of Cambridge students can be found on the access to Cambridge theses webpage.   The requirement for impending PhD graduates to deposit a digital version in order to graduate means the repository will be increasing at a rate of approximately 1,000 per year from this source.   About 200 theses are added annually through requests to make theses Open Access or via requests to digitize a thesis in printed format.

Locating and obtaining a copy of a Cambridge PhD thesis (not yet available via the repository)

Theses can be searched in iDiscover .  Guidance on searching for theses in iDiscover can be found here .   Requests for consultation of printed theses, not available online, should be made at the Manuscripts Reading Room (Email:  [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)1223 333143).   Further information on the University Library's theses, dissertations and prize essays collections can be consulted at this link .

Researchers can order a copy of an unpublished thesis which was deposited in print form either through the Library’s  Digital Content Unit via the image request form , or, if the thesis has been digitised, it may be available in the Apollo repository. Copies of theses may be provided to researchers in accordance with the  law  and in a manner that is common across UK libraries.  The law allows us to provide whole copies of unpublished theses to individuals as long as they sign a declaration saying that it is for non-commercial research or private study.

How to make your thesis available online through Cambridge's institutional repository

Are you a Cambridge alumni and wish to make your Ph.D. thesis available online? You can do this by depositing it in Apollo the University's institutional repository. Click here for further information on how to proceed.    Current Ph.D students at the University of Cambridge can find further information about the requirements to deposit theses on the Office of Scholarly Communication theses webpages.

UK Theses and Dissertations

Electronic copies of Ph.D. theses submitted at over 100 UK universities are obtainable from EThOS , a service set up to provide access to all theses from participating institutions. It achieves this by harvesting e-theses from Institutional Repositories and by digitising print theses as they are ordered by researchers using the system. Over 250,000 theses are already available in this way. Please note that it does not supply theses submitted at the universities of Cambridge or Oxford although they are listed on EThOS.

Registration with EThOS is not required to search for a thesis but is necessary to download or order one unless it is stored in the university repository rather than the British Library (in which case a link to the repository will be displayed). Many theses are available without charge on an Open Access basis but in all other cases, if you are requesting a thesis that has not yet been digitised you will be asked to meet the cost. Once a thesis has been digitised it is available for free download thereafter.

When you order a thesis it will either be immediately available for download or writing to hard copy or it will need to be digitised. If you order a thesis for digitisation, the system will manage the process and you will be informed when the thesis is available for download/preparation to hard copy.

See the Search results section of the  help page for full information on interpreting search results in EThOS.

EThOS is managed by the British Library and can be found at http://ethos.bl.uk . For more information see About EThOS .

World-wide (incl. UK) theses and dissertations

Electronic versions of non-UK theses may be available from the institution at which they were submitted, sometimes on an open access basis from the institutional repository. A good starting point for discovering freely available electronic theses and dissertations beyond the UK is the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) , which facilitates searching across institutions. Information can also usually be found on the library web pages of the relevant institution.

The DART Europe etheses portal lists several thousand full-text theses from a group of European universities.

The University Library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses  (PQDT) database which from August 31 2023 is accessed on the Web of Science platform.  To search this index select it from the Web of Science "Search in" drop-down list of databases (available on the Documents tab on WoS home page)

PQDT includes 2.4 million dissertation and theses citations, representing 700 leading academic institutions worldwide from 1861 to the present day. The database offers full text for most of the dissertations added since 1997 and strong retrospective full text coverage for older graduate works. Each dissertation published since July 1980 includes a 350-word abstract written by the author. Master's theses published since 1988 include 150-word abstracts.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The University Library only subscribes to the abstracting & indexing version of the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database and NOT the full text version.  A fee is payable for ordering a dissertation from this source.   To obtain the full text of a dissertation as a downloadable PDF you can submit your request via the University Library Inter-Library Loans department (see contact details below). NB this service is only available to full and current members of the University of Cambridge.

Alternatively you can pay yourself for the dissertation PDF on the PQDT platform. Link from Web of Science record display of any thesis to PQDT by clicking on "View Details on ProQuest".  On the "Preview" page you will see an option "Order a copy" top right.  This will allow you to order your own copy from ProQuest directly.

Dissertations and theses submitted at non-UK universities may also be requested on Inter-Library Loan through the Inter-Library Loans department (01223 333039 or 333080, [email protected] )

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Law Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On October 5, 2023

Introduction

Law dissertations can be demanding because of the need to find relevant regulations, cases, and data to address the research problem successfully. It is of utmost importance to critically examine facts before framing the  research questions .

Selection of the most appropriate legal terms and legal authorities, whether online or in print, can be challenging especially if you have not tackled a law dissertation project before.

To help you select an intriguing law  dissertation  topic,  our expert writers have suggested some issues in various areas of law, including trust law, EU law, family law, employment and equality law, public law, tort law, intellectual property rights, commercial law, evidence, and criminal law, and human rights and immigration law.

These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

Review step by step guide on how to write your own dissertation  here.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question , aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of dissertation topics for 2022 here.

2022 Law Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the role of international criminal laws in reducing global genocide.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the role of international criminal laws in reducing global genocide. It will be an exploratory study identifying the explicit and implicit effects of international criminal laws on the worldwide genocide. It will analyse different incidents of international genocide and find out how international criminal laws played a positive role to reduce these incidents. Lastly, it will recommend possible changes in the international criminal laws to effectively mitigate global genocide. And it will be done by comparing criminal laws of world-leading powers to reduce genocide.

Topic 2: Impact of Anti-Racism Employment Laws on Organisational Culture- A Comparative Study on the Anti-Racism Employment Laws in the US and Canada

Research Aim: This research aims to find the impact of anti-racism employment laws on the organisational culture in the US and Canada in a comparative analysis. It will identify the change in employees’ behaviour after implementing anti-racism laws. Moreover, it will find whether employees gleefully welcomed these laws or showed resistance. And how do these laws affect the organisations’ performance that strictly implemented them?

Topic 3: Globalization, international business transactions, and commercial law- A perspective from literature.

Research Aim: Students and practitioners can find the law of international business transactions as a subfield within a broader field of international commercial law to be somewhat amorphous.

This study will explain the impact of globalization on international business transactions and commercial law by establishing some necessary links between the study of transnational business law and related fields of international studies. This study also aims to address theories about foreign business regulation, such as the idea that it is free of power politics. For the collection of data existing literature will be studied. And the methodology of this research will rely on existing previous literature.

Topic 4: Investigating the impact of competition law on the businesses in the UK- Post Brexit

Research Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of competition laws on businesses in the Post-Brexit UK. The proposed study will not only analyze the performance of the businesses with the current competition laws. But also analyze the impact of possible changes in competition laws on the businesses in the post-Brexit UK. And it will also incorporate the possible difference of changes in competition laws in deal, no-deal, hard deal, and soft deal scenarios. This way of individually analyzing the difference of competition laws due to the status of the UK’s deal with the EU will give better insights into how businesses will be affected by these laws in the post-Brexit UK.

Topic 5: A comparison between Islamic and contemporary laws against rape. Which law is the most effective in preventing this horrific crime?

Research Aim: Since several years, marital and non-marital relations in Muslim majority countries have been a source of controversy. Under Islamic law, it is strictly forbidden for a Muslim, or even non-Muslim to engage in illicit sexual relations with the opposite gender under any situation. The current study will help us understand the concepts presented in Islamic laws about rape cases. In this context, a comparative analysis of Islamic and contemporary law will be explained. It will also identify efficient and effective strategies to prevent this horrific crime.

Law Dissertation Topics 2021

Topic 1: the legal implications of the covid-19 pandemic on canadian immigration and the way forward..

Research Aim: This study will focus on how the Canadian government benefits from resources accrued from immigration, the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Immigration, the current legislation on immigration, the effects of COVID-19 on the immigration law, the possible amendments that could help cushion the impact and the way forward.

Topic 2: Effect of COVID-19 on the United States Immigration policies; an assessment of International Legal agreements governing pandemic disease control and the way forward.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the pandemic’s effect on immigration policies in the United States. It also suggests the required steps based on the laws that regulate government acts during an outbreak of a pandemic.

Topic 3: Creating legal policies in preparedness for the global pandemic; lessons from COVID-19 on Canadian immigration policies.

Research Aim: This research will focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and how most countries seemed unprepared. Historical background of the flu pandemic can also be made to assess how the world overcame the pandemic. And the need for the Canadian government or any other country you wish to choose can prepare for a global pandemic by creating legal policies that could help prepare ahead for such a period, such as policies on scientific research and funding.

Topic 4: The need for uniformity of competition law and policy in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries; An approach to the European Union standard.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the Gulf Cooperation Countries and their current legislation on competition law and its implications. Countries under the European Union’s competition law, the legal implications, and the need to consider such a part.

Topic 5: The need for competition law and policy enforcement; An analysis of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.

Research Aim: This research focuses on the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries’ competition laws and their enforceability. It analyses the benefits of enforcing the competition law and looks at the European Union uniformed laws and its benefits. It looks into the various countries, how the competition law currently works, and how it can affect each country’s economy in a better way or adequately enforced.

Topic 6: Provisions of the law on rape, the need to expand its coverage on the misuse of its provisions, and false accusations.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the law’s present provisions on rape and rape victims and the recent false accusations.

Topic 7: Summary dismissal of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal implications under the labour law, and the way forward. The case study of Nigeria

Research Aim: This research will focus on the statistics of people who were summarily dismissed during the COVID-19 pandemic based on natural occurrences, provisions of the law against summary dismissal, and its enforcement, and how this can be cushioned against future events. The need to expand the labour law to cover similar situations for the protection of workers.

Topic 8: A legal assessment of the settlement of international disputes through the peaceful process and its effectiveness

Research Aim: This research focuses on the mode of dispute settlement in the international community, assessment of international laws and treaties on peaceful settlement of conflicts among countries of member states, the methods of dispute settlements, its strengths and weaknesses, and the need to improve the current mechanisms of peaceful settlement in the international community.

Topic 9: The protection of minority shareholders and the majority shareholders' power in Companies, a critical analysis of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act provisions.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the law’s provisions on protecting minority shareholders in companies and the majority shareholders’ power. How effective are these provisions in protecting the minorities against the management of the majority shareholders and the way forward

COVID-19 Law Research Topics

Topic 1: law during the time of the coronavirus crisis.

Research Aim:  This study will analyse the role of law and order during COVID-19.

Topic 2: Legal policies and issues during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will focus on the legal policies issued during the COVID-19 across the world. Challenges faced by the public and government during the lockdown will also be addressed.

Topic 3: The role of cops during COVID-19

Research Question: This study will highlight the role of cops in combatting COVID-19 and ensuring public health safety. It’ll also focus on the risk and challenges they come across and how to overcome those challenges.

Topic 4: Justice during COVID-19

Research Aim: The entire world has been paused during the lockdown situation. This study will investigate the mode of trials, court sessions, and justice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Topic 5: Health guidelines and social distancing

Research Aim: This study will reveal the WHO’s health and safety guidelines.

Topic 6: Guidelines for transport, educational institutions, business sectors, and hospitals during the Coronavirus pandemic

Research Aim: This study will focus on reviewing the guidelines issued by the government for various public gathering places such as transport, educational institutions, business sectors, and hospitals during the Coronavirus pandemics.

Topic 1: World Bank developmental projects and greater accountability

Research Aim: Examine communities impacted by development operations under the World Bank Development project schemes using the project law model to understand the lack of participation and successful influence of these communities to improve accountability and good governance.

Topic 2: The right to bear arms: Rethinking the second amendment

Research Aim: Gun control and the right to bear arms has been an ever-evolving web discourse in the United States. The research aims at analysing how gun control laws have changed in the USA since specifically focusing on the 2nd Amendment and its original framework.

Topic 3: Rethinking the international legal framework protecting journalists in war and conflict zones.

Research Question: Is the current legal framework still appropriate for protecting journalists in today’s conflict zones? Research Aim: The primary body of law that is set out to protect journalists includes the Geneva Conventions and their additional Protocols. However, since the time they have been drafted and decades after, there have been conspicuous changes to the way warfare is conducted. It is imperative to examine this body of law in order to improve it as journalists have now become prime targets in war zones and conflict areas because of their profession.

Topic 4: A critical analysis of employment law of disabled individuals in the UK and what new policies can be integrated to increase its efficiency.

Research Aim: Employment or labour law has always been under the limelight. Many critiques and researchers have proposed different amendments to the existing law pertaining to labour and employee. The main aim of the research is to critically analyse the employment law of disabled individuals in the UK along with effective recommendations that need to be made in order to make the existing law more efficient and effective.

Topic 5: A critical evaluation of racial discrimination laws in developed countries and how it impacts the workplace environment

Research Aim: Racial discrimination has always been a controversial issue in almost every part of the World. However, many developed countries (companies) face severe racial discrimination issues that directly impact their name and brand value. Therefore, this research provides a critical evaluation of the racial discrimination laws, particularly in developed countries. Moreover, the research will be focusing on how racial discrimination laws are impacting the workplace environment.

Topic 6: A comparative analysis of legislation, policy, and guidelines of domestic abuse between UK and USA.

Research Aim: Domestic laws basically deal with and provide criminal rules for punishing individuals who have physically or emotionally harmed their own family members. It has been found out that many domestic cases of abuse are not reported to the concerned authority. Due to this reason, the main focus of the research is to conduct a comparative analysis of legislation, policy, and guidelines of domestic abuse between the UK and the USA and how effective both the countries have been to minimise domestic abuse.

Topic 7: Analyzing the negative impact of technology in protecting the intellectual property rights of corporations.

Research Aim: Intellectual property has gained significant importance after the emergence of counterfeit products coming from different parts of the world. It has been found out that many factors have motivated the sale of counterfeit products. Therefore, this research aims at analysing the negative impact of technology in protecting the intellectual property rights of products and corporations.

Topic 8: A critical assessment of the terrorism act of 2010 and its impact on Muslims living around the globe.

Research Aim: Since the incident of 9/11, the entire world has been under the pressure of terrorism activities, especially Muslims living around the world. Therefore, this research intends to critically assess the terrorism act of 2010 and its impact on Muslims living around the globe.

Trust Law Dissertation Topics

The trust law requires the settler to meet the three certainties, including the object, intention, and subject matter. As posted to a moral obligation or mere gift, confidence of choice can be best described as clarity of purpose. Some interesting dissertation topics in the field of trust law  are listed below:

• To investigate the attitude of the courts to trusts supporting political agendas.
• To identify and discuss principles on which half-secret and full secret trusts are enforced? Does a literature review highlight circumstances where it is essential to consider whether such beliefs are constructive and express?
• The role and impact of trust law as asset portioning and fiduciary governance
• From law to faith: Letting go of secret trusts
• Critical analysis of the statement “Traditionally, equity and the law of trusts have been concerned with providing justice to balance out the rigour of the common law” regarding modern equity development/operation.
• Should the assumption of resulting trusts and progression be abolished in this modern age? A critical review of the literature
• A critical examination of the courts’ concern of financial reward in the context of “trustee powers of investment”
• Does the doctrine of cypress do justice to the intentions of the testator?
• The impact of the decision of Harrison v Gibson on the law of the clarity of intention?
• The approval of trustees in the Zimbabwean law of trusts

Want more?   Read this.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

European Law Dissertation Topics

European law has recently attracted wide attention from the academic world, thanks to the growing influence of European Law on administrative law in EU members. It should be noted that every aspect of life in European states is significantly affected by European law, and therefore this area of research has gained tremendous popularity. Some exciting and specific research areas are given below:

• A critical review of the European anti-discrimination Law
• To investigate the economics and history of European Law.
• An investigation of the European human rights law
• Investigating the impact of “Freedom of Speech” on the German economy
• Investigating the impact of immigration laws on the German economy
• How the French parliamentary sovereignty has been affected by the European Union
• Uniform interpretation of European patent law with a unique view on the creation of a standard patent court
• The impact of European consensus in the jurisprudence of the European court of human rights
• The impact of the European convention on human rights on the international human rights law
• A critical analysis of the tensions between European trade and social policy
• To investigate the European Union’s enforcement actions and policies against member countries.
• European Laws amidst the Brexit process

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Family Law Dissertation Topics

A wide range of topics are covered under the field of family law and the law of children. Essentially, this area of law takes into consideration the registration of marriages, statutory rights concerning marriage, the effects of a decree, void and voidable marriages, the impact of the Human Rights Act, the legal stature of unmarried and married individuals, and the case for reform of UK family law . Other research areas include enforcing financial responsibilities in the Magistrates court, enforcing the arrears of maintenance payments, the award of maintenance, enforcing financial obligations to children or a child, financial orders for children, and the Child Support Act. An extremely intriguing area of law that has gained tremendous popularity in the modern era, some specific  dissertation topics  in this area of law studies are listed below:

• Investigating therapeutic and theoretical approaches to deal with spouse abuse in light of the UK government’s latest research on domestic violence
• Unmarried fathers’ access to parental responsibility – Does the current law enforce rights and responsibilities towards children?
• To study the criminal justice process involving a child witness.
• The children’s right to participation – Rhetoric or Reality? – A critical review of literature from the past two decades
• To study the position of unmarried fathers in the UK.
• Does the UK Family law need a major reform?
• A critical review of the rights of married women in real estate
• Child welfare and the role of local authorities
• To study the legal and social foundations of parenting, civil partnership, and marriage.
• To examine whether the Child Support Act has positively influenced child maintenance?

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Employment Law Dissertation Topics

Employment and equality law governs the relationship between the government, trade unions, employers, and employees.  Employment and equality law in the UK is a body of law that prevents bias and negative attitudes towards someone based on their ethnicity or race rather than work skills and experience. Some interesting dissertation topics  in this area of law are below:

• A critical investigation of the right to fair labor practices in the United Kingdom
• To determine the job’s inherent requirements as a defence to unfair discrimination or a claim – A comparison between the United Kingdom and Canada.
• The role of the South African Labour Relations Act in providing unhappy staff sufficient protection against unfair dismissals and discrimination at the workplace
• To investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on employees’ lives with a focus on unfair dismissal and discrimination.
• To assess ethnic discrimination in the European Union: Derogations from the ban on discrimination – Sexual harassment – Equal pay for equal value work.
• To study the international employment contract – Regulation, perception, and reality.
• To identify and discuss challenges associated with equality at work.
• A study of the legal aspects of the relationship between employer and employee
• How influential is the role of trade unions in English employment law?
• A critical review of discrimination policies in the UK

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Commercial Law Dissertation Topics

Commercial law, also known as business law, is the whole body of substantive jurisprudence applicable to the conduct, relations, and rights of sales, trade, merchandising, and businesses and persons associated with commerce. Important issues of law covered by commercial law include real estate, secured transactions, credit transactions, bankruptcy, banking, and contracts. An intriguing area of law within the UK, specific topics for your law dissertation are listed below:

• The impact of legislation for the regulation of investments services with EU economic area on the EU financial services market
• Handling regulatory involvement incorporates organisational structure and strategy.
• A study of convergence and complementarities concerning international corporate governance
• How drafting and diffusion of uniform norms can help to harmonise the law of international commercial arbitration?
• Convergence and adaption in corporate governance to transnational standards in India
• A critical review of the international commercial arbitration system
• Analysing the international commercial law on risk transfer
• The role of the tripartite financial system in the UK on economic development
• A comparative analysis of European contract law, international commercial contracts law, and English commercial contracts law
• Is the European contracts law meeting the needs of the commercial community?
• A critical review of anti-corruption legislation in the UK
• The problems of director accountability in the UK and the impact of soft and hard law on corporate governance

Criminal and Evidence Law Dissertation Topics

Criminal law  can be defined as a system of law dealing with the punishment of criminals. Criminal evidence, on the other hand, concerns evidence/testimony presented in relation to criminal charges. Evidence can be presented in various forms in order to prove and establish crimes. A wide array of topics can be covered in this subject area. To help you narrow down your research focus, some  interesting topics  are suggested below:

• The politics of criminal law reform with a focus on lower-court decision making
• To understand and establish the historical relationship between human rights and Islamic criminal law
• Investigating the rights of victims in internal criminal courts
• The efficacy of the law of rape in order to prevent misuse by bogus victims and to protect rightful victims
• To assess the criminal law’s approach to Omissions
• To investigate the issues associated with the identification of the distribution, extent, and nature of the crime
• A critical review of the Bad Samaritan laws and the law of omissions liability
• How international criminal law has been significant influenced by the “war on terrors”?
• The efficacy of modern approaches to the definition of intention in International criminal law
• The efficacy of the law of corporate manslaughter

Company Law Dissertation Topics

Company law, also known as the  law of business associations , is the body of law that deals with business organisations and their formation, registration, incorporation, governance, dissolution, and administration. Some suggestions for company law dissertation topics are listed below:

• Developing equity markets in growing economies and the importance of corporate law
• A critical review of English company law and its effects on member workers and creditors
• To investigate the essential aspects of corporate law.
• To study business responsibilities for human rights.
• Identifying disparities in corporate governance – Theories and Realities
• The external relations of company groups in Zambian Corporate law
• To study corporate governance practices concerning the minority stakeholders.
• Establishing and evaluating arguments for and against “stakeholder theory.”
• The importance of non-executive directors in the British corporate legal system
• Investigating the regulation of the UK public company

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Intellectual Property and Tort Law Dissertation topics

All forms of legal injury are dealt with under the subject area of tort law. Essentially, tort law helps to establish the circumstances whereby a person may be held responsible for another person’s injury caused by either accident on intentional acts. On the other hand, intellectual property covers areas of law such as copyright, patents, and trademark. Trademark dissertation topics trademarks directive, trademarks act, infringement of trademarks such as revocation, invalidity, and the use of similar marks. Some interesting dissertation ideas and topics  of tort law and intellectual property are suggested below to help your law studies.

• The efficacy of intellectual property rights in the UK under influence of European Law
• The efficacy of UK copyright law concerning the needs of rights users and holders
• The impact of intellectual property right on economic development
• To investigate the right of confidence in the UK
• Does the trademark law ensure sufficient protection in England?
• The impact of European Law on intellectual property rights in the UK
• The end of the road for loss of a chance?
• To assess the success ratio of psychiatric injury claims in the UK
• Should a no-fault system be implemented into UK law or should the law of negligence apply to personal injury claims?
• A critical review of economic loss in 21 st century tort law

Human Rights and Immigration Law

The primary objective of human rights and immigration law is to ensure and protect human rights at domestic, regional, and international levels. With the world becoming a global village, human rights and immigration laws have attracted significant attention from academicians and policymakers. Some interesting law dissertation topics in this subject area are suggested below:

• To assess the efficacy of the common European Asylum system in terms of immigration detention.
• A historical analysis of Britain’s immigration and asylum policies
• A critical analysis of immigration policy in Britain since 1990
• A critical analysis of the right of the police and the public right to protest under PACE 1984
• The right of prisoners to vote under the European law of human rights
• Arguments for and against the death penalty in English Law with a focus on human rights treatise
• A critical analysis of the right to private life and family for failed asylum seekers
• The impact of UK immigration policies on the current education industry
• How beneficial the points system has really been in regards to create a cap in the British immigration system
• To study the impact of privatisation on immigration detention and related functions in the UK.

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Pandemic Law Dissertation Topics

Coronavirus, also known as the Covid-19, has become the most trending topic in the world since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic that started in China. Here are some interesting Corona Virus or Covid 19 Pandemic Law topics that you can consider for your law dissertation.

• Co-parenting in the coronavirus pandemic: A family law scholar’s advice
• How San Diego law enforcement operated amid Coronavirus pandemic
• Pandemic preparedness in the workplace and the British with disabilities act
• Why In a pandemic, rumors of martial Law fly despite reassurances
• Investigating About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19
• Resources to support workers in the UK during the Coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic:
• A legal perspective
• Navigating the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) and employment laws in the UK going forward
• Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) and employment laws in the US going forward
• Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) and employment laws in Australia going forward

More Law Dissertation Topics

• A critical analysis of the employment law of disabled individuals in the UK and what new policies can be integrated to increase its efficiency
• A critical evaluation of racial discrimination laws in developed countries and how it impacts the workplace environment
• A comparative analysis of domestic abuse with the legislation, policy, and domestic abuse guidelines between the UK and USA.
• Analysing the negative impact of technology in protecting the intellectual property rights of corporations.
• A critical assessment of the terrorism act of 2010 and its impact on Muslims living around the Globe.

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As a law dissertation student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing law dissertation theories – i.e., to add value and interest in the topic of your research.

The field of law dissertation is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like civil engineering ,  construction ,  project management , engineering management , healthcare , mental health , artificial intelligence , tourism , physiotherapy , sociology , management , project management , and nursing . That is why it is imperative to create a project management dissertation topic that is articular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your fundamental research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your case wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best law dissertation topics that fulfill your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample law dissertation topics to get an idea for your dissertation.

How to Structure your Law Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths while identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic, and binding terms can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter, and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is establishing the link between the products and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Make sure to complete this by your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to find law dissertation topics.

To find law dissertation topics:

• Research recent legal developments.
• Explore unresolved issues or debates.
• Analyze gaps in existing literature.
• Consider societal or technological influences.
• Consult professors and peers.
• Select a topic aligning with your passion and career aspirations.

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April 9, 2024

Emory University’s graduate and professional schools and programs continue to be ranked among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools, which was released April 9.

The annual list uses data, surveys and other information to rank programs in schools of nursing, public health, business, law and other areas. The publication has delayed releasing rankings for medical schools, engineering schools and clinical psychology programs because of concerns with the data.

Here are the Emory schools included in this year’s national rankings:

The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing master’s program ranks 1st in the nation. The school’s doctor of nursing practice program is 6th.

The Rollins School of Public Health ranks 3rd in the nation.  In the category of public health programs, U.S. News issued rankings for several master’s programs: biostatistics (5th), environmental health science (3rd), epidemiology (4th), health policy and management (8th) and social behavior (3rd). 

Goizueta Business School’s full-time MBA program ranks 18th. The Executive MBA program is 13th and the part-time program is 20th.

The School of Law ranks 42nd in the nation. Multiple programs within the school also received rankings including business/corporate law (22nd), constitutional law (25th), contracts/commercial law (21st) and health care law (21st).

The Laney Graduate School awards all PhDs at Emory in partnership with faculty located in various schools and departments across the university. Among doctoral science programs, computer science is 64th.

In U.S. News’ rankings of nursing master’s programs, Emory’s nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology, primary care is 3rd ; nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology, acute care is 4th; and family nurse practitioner program is 4th.

In rankings of Emory’s doctor of nursing practice programs, adult gerontology/acute care is 4th; adult gerontology/primary care is 3rd; family practice 5th; and nurse administration management 6th.

Each school may have additional information about rankings issued to specific programs. Not all graduate and professional programs are ranked annually.

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Several UMass Amherst Graduate Programs Earn National Recognition in 2024 US News & World Report Rankings

Graduate programs in several disciplines at the University of Massachusetts Amherst rank among the best in the country as reported in the 2024 edition of  U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools .

Each year, U.S. News ranks more than 800 institutions with a variety of graduate programs in six prominent fields: business, nursing, education, engineering, law and medicine. This year, the engineering, clinical psychology and medical program rankings will be published at a later date. 

In addition, rankings are published periodically for a selection of other disciplines; this year, new updated rankings were published for graduate programs in public affairs, computer science and health fields, including speech-language pathology, public health and clinical psychology. 

The UMass Amherst rankings for 2024 include: 

• The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences  ranks the same as last year at No. 24 and also ranks in most of the sub-specialties: artificial intelligence at No. 16, programming language at No. 23 and systems at No. 23. 
• The  School of Public Health and Health Sciences  climbed 14 spots from last year to No. 29, and it also ranks No. 44 in speech-language pathology. 
• The  School of Public Policy  ranks No. 52 in public affairs programs. 
• The  College of Education  ranks No. 79, up from No. 83 last year. 
• The  Isenberg School of Management’s full-time MBA program moved up 14 spots to No. 72 in the Best Business Schools rankings and the part-time MBA program is ranked No. 45, up two spots from last year.  This year’s methodology placed more emphasis on earnings, facilitated by a new ranking factor that assessed how each school’s post-graduate salaries across different professions compared with other schools’ post-graduate salaries in those professions.

Rankings of other graduate programs were not updated this year, but they were republished in the new guide. They include: 

• In the  natural sciences —chemistry at No. 51; geology/earth sciences: No. 47; mathematics: No. 55; and physics: No. 55. 
• In the  natural and life sciences —biological sciences at No. 74, biostatistics at No. 31, psychology at No. 51 and statistics at No. 51. 
• Fine arts  at No. 89. 
• In the  social sciences and humanities —English at No. 41, history at No. 48, political science at No. 56, economics at No. 79, and sociology at No. 29, with the sex and gender studies program ranked No. 8. 

US News & World Report Releases 2024 Rankings Of America’s Best Grad Schools

Texas A&M University is one of the nation’s leaders in graduate education, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

The university has 33 programs in the Top 50 spanning across agriculture, business, computer science, education, health, law, political science, public affairs, psychology, science, and veterinary medicine. U.S. News announced this week that the release of rankings for engineering, medical and clinical psychology will be delayed.

In its Best Graduate Schools ranking, the publication placed 10 of Texas A&M’s graduate programs in the Top 20; among those, six are Top 10:

College of Arts and Sciences

• Industrial and organizational psychology, No. 7 (No. 6 public)
• Inorganic chemistry, No. 5 (No. 2 public, No. 1 in Texas)
• Nuclear physics, No. 7 (No. 6 public, No. 1 in Texas)

School of Law, overall No. 26

• Dispute resolution, No. 5 (No. 3 public, No. 1 in Texas)
• Intellectual property, No. 6 (No. 2 public, No. 1 in Texas)

School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, overall No. 10 (No. 9 public, No. 1 in Texas)

According to U.S. News , the rankings are based on expert opinion on program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students. Texas A&M currently enrolls 16,762 graduate and professional students (fall 2023), in more than 170 master’s, 94 doctoral and five professional degree programs.

“I’m so proud of our graduate students, the world-class faculty who mentor them and the outstanding programs that set them on a path to success in their chosen fields,” said Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “Post-graduate education at Texas A&M contributes immeasurably to our research enterprise and our teaching and service missions. Congratulations to the students, faculty and staff whose work is reflected not just in rankings, but each and every day on our campuses and in the world at large.”

Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth, which has seen a remarkable rise in the U.S. News rankings, this year rose three spots overall, an increase of 57 spots in five years.

The Bush School of Government and Public Service, which ranks No. 26 overall in public affairs, has seen gains this round in non-profit management, up six places to No. 21. “The Bush School continues to make strides as a world-class Public Affairs school,” said Frank B. Ashley III, interim dean. “Employers know that graduates of our Public Service and Administration program are career-ready leaders with a passion for public service.”

Other notable rankings include:

• Analytical chemistry, No. 11 (No. 10 public)
• Applied mathematics, No. 13 (No. 6 public)
• Legal writing, No. 11 (No. 7 public, No. 1 in Texas)
• Marketing, No. 29 (No. 9 public)
• Management, No. 27 (No. 11 public)
• Statistics, No. 13 (No. 7 public, No. 1 in Texas)

View the full rankings for Texas A&M here and review the U.S. News methodology here .

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These are the best graduate school programs in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World

Top graduate schools in Wisconsin landed on the latest U.S. News & World Report list ranking more than 2,000 programs across the country. U.S. News & World Report published its 2024-'25 report in April, ranking graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing, among other fields.

University of Wisconsin-Madison's the School of Education tied for first overall with Teacher's College, Columbia University, according the report. That's up from third overall and second among public universities last year.

Several of Marquette University's graduate programs moved up on the list, including the master's program in the College of Nursing, which moved up from 66 to 58.

Schools were evaluated based on expert opinion and statistical data measuring the quality of the school's faculty, research and post-graduate outcomes. You can find the full list on the U.S. News website for graduate rankings on their website www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools .

Top business graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #43

Top law graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #36 (tie)
• Marquette University: #68 (tie)

Top nursing graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• Marquette University: #58 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #82 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: #107 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh: #118
• Alverno College: #119 (tie)
• Milwaukee School of Engineering: #153-169

Top medical graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #35 (tie)

Top education graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #1 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #169 (tie)
• Marquette University: #192

Top Engineering graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #27 (tie)
• Marquette University: #142 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #177 (tie)

RELATED: Here's how Wisconsin universities ranked in the 2024 Best Colleges list

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The Senate impeachment trial of Mayorkas has been delayed. Here's what to know

Ximena Bustillo

Claudia Grisales

The impeachment trial for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been pushed into at least next week. Santiago Billy/AP hide caption

The impeachment trial for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been pushed into at least next week.

House Republicans are delaying their plan to begin an impeachment trial for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Impeachment managers were set to deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, but now that process will be pushed until at least next week following requests from Republican senators who wanted more time to prepare for a trial.

Taylor Haulsee, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., issued a statement on the plans: "To ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty, the House will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week. There is no reason whatsoever for the Senate to abdicate its responsibility to hold an impeachment trial."

Johnson's office has not said exactly when they now plan to transmit the articles to the Senate.

Many Senate Republicans began raising objection to the timeline on Tuesday at a weekly party luncheon. They argued that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was planning to move to quickly dismiss the charges and they wanted more time to combat his strategy.

Schumer and other Democrats have dismissed the entire impeachment process as a political show by Republicans. Schumer has not directly addressed plans to dismiss the charges.

"We're going to try to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Schumer told reporters before the delay was announced. "Impeachment should never be used to settle policy disagreements."

At the center of the procedural fight is the U.S.-Mexico border and the people who have crossed it in record numbers. Republicans accuse Mayorkas of refusing to enforce immigration laws, Democrats say Republicans have a policy disagreement with the White House and impeachment isn't the way to address it.

What are the crimes Republicans say Mayorkas committed?

GOP members approved two articles of impeachment two months ago: one that accuses Mayorkas of violating laws related to immigration and border security and a second that accuses him of making false statements while under oath to Congress.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas impeached by House Republicans

Specifically, the lawmakers argue Mayorkas opened up the possibility of parole resulting in an increase in migrants crossing the border under his time as secretary.

The Homeland Security Department, under U.S. immigration law, has the ability to grant "parole" to noncitizens seeking to be in the U.S. But this does not mean they are provided with an immigration status, or are formally admitted, according to the American Immigration Council.

"This administration has, however, set a new record where the numbers of parole actions and the numbers of people paroled into the country are concerned," Doris Meissner a former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service who served under President Bill Clinton. "But that does not mean that they have violated the law. That establishes parole and provides the authority."

House fails to pass articles of impeachment for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

Meissner noted that past administrations have used parole in an expanded way. Past examples, she said, include when tens of thousands of Afghan migrants were granted parole after Kabul fell to the Taliban and a separate program under former President Barack Obama that provided the protection to some migrants from Central American countries.

How are Democrats responding?

Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said in February after the House vote that the impeachment did not have a shred of evidence or legitimate constitutional grounds. In a memo, the DHS argues that parole has been used for decades in similar fashion and that Mayorkas testimonies are accurate.

Consider This from NPR

Impeaching mayorkas: high crimes and misdemeanors or politics as usual.

"It comes down to the policy disagreement. This administration has taken the view that in an effort to create more orderly flows, the use of parole was an essential tool to make it possible for some nationality groups... as well as some ability to incentivize the use of ports of entry for people seeking asylum to come into the United States," Meissner said, noting that it is a solution option for overwhelmed and under resourced detention facilities and infrastructure. "The use of parole has been a tool that they have used. That is indisputable."

What comes next?

The House members tasked with prosecuting the trial, known as impeachment managers, need to deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Senators will be sworn in as jurors on Thursday with Senate Pro Tempore Sen. Patty Murry, D-Wash., presiding over the trial.

House Republicans have called for a full trial, but Senate Democrats have avoided any commitments about what a trial will entail.

Impeachment may not remove an official but even using the word leaves a mark

The House speaker and the House Republican impeachment managers specifically requested a full hearing of the evidence in a letter sent last month announcing their plans to transmit the articles to the Senate.

"We call upon you to fulfill your constitutional obligation to hold this trial," they wrote. "The American people demand a secure border, an end to this crisis, and accountability for those responsible. To table articles of impeachment without ever hearing a single argument or reviewing a piece of evidence would be a violation of our constitutional order and an affront to the American people whom we all serve."

But even some Senate Republicans have called impeachment "dead on arrival" and a "waste of time."

Even if a trial were to occur, the Senate is currently controlled by Democrats and it would take a two-thirds vote to convict and remove Mayorkas, which is highly unlikely.

Still, immigration and the methods for handling border crossings are also emerging as an issue as both political parties hit the campaign trail. A new survey released by Pew Research Center finds that Americans across all political ideologies believe that the government is doing a "bad job" of handling the rise in border crossings. However, there are divisions among party lines about most policy solutions , such as how to treat those seeking asylum.