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Applying the rule of law in a country undergoing economic growth requires thinking more globally. The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to become a rule of law innovator and leader in your country and geographical region.

The PROLAW MJ is a practice-oriented degree program for non-lawyers at Northampton’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy. Living and studying abroad is an opportunity for you to get the hands-on training to work as advisors in promoting the rule of law in economies in transition and developing countries.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with an MJ in Rule of Law for Development from Northampton, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:

You will understand how the rule of law develops in society; legal methods and concepts needed to carry out rule of law initiatives; the role of global and international institutions in establishing and maintaining rule of law; current frameworks for sustainable development and the rule of law; and the relationship between democracy, governance, and the rule of law.

You will be able to:

Conduct research on rule of law development topics and carry out assessments of rule of law problems, and organize, format, and draft memoranda and other documents to advise
Develop a conceptual framework or theory of change to create optimal sequencing of legal reform for development;
Support the implementation of rule of law initiatives which take into account varied legal cultures and systems
Guide specific rule of law initiatives to support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
Develop rule of law projects that include key international development project management tools and monitoring and evaluation plans of rule of law initiatives
Advise on how applicable institutional and legal frameworks affect the way in which rule of law advisory work can be undertaken
Devise and apply strategies for effective international and inter-organizational engagement and cooperation for rule of law and governance development in conflict prevention, reducing instability, and peacebuilding
Design, implement and lead projects with institutional partners to further the rule of law

You will be able to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen the rule of law and prospects for national development, including maintaining respect in dealing with all stakeholders, incorporating diverse viewpoints, willingness to accept iterative progress, and respect for human rights.

CURRICULUM

 

You’ll complete all onsite courses at Northampton’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy from September to February. After this, you’ll complete two online courses from March to April and your capstone project requirement by July 15 from your home country through online interaction with your project advisor.

FALL TERM

Legal Systems and Methods
History, Theory and Practice of Law for Development
Comparative and Ethical Lawyering for the Rule of Law
Theory and Practice of Assessments in Rule of Law Advising
Research and Writing on the Rule of Law

SPRING TERM

International Development Architecture
Advising for Economic, Social and Institutional Reform
Design of Rule of Law Programs and Proposal Preparation
Rule of Law Project Management
Rule of Law in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

SUMMER TERM

Rule of Law Capstone Project
The curriculum is supported by the PROLAW Visiting Lecturer Series with prominent rule of law professionals.

Degree Requirements

To earn a PROLAW MJ, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including ten courses and a major rule of law capstone project.

FEES

 

The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable

Fee