So why don't we call lawyers doctors? The English word "doctor" does indeed come from the Latin "doctor," meaning teacher, yet we don't call Juris Doctors by said title. Sure, the primary meaning has evolved into "physician," but we quite commonly refer to Ph.D.'s as "Doctor So-And-So." Yes, the history of the Juris Doctor degree is fairly recent, but so what? In terms of actual curricular requirements, the full three years of American law school coursework exceeds that of both M.D. and Ph.D. programs, as much of their education is not coursework, and law students typically take more classes each semester than Ph.D. students.

The American Bar Association has a formal statement on the matter:

2. J.D. Degree - Ph.D. Degree Equivalency.
WHEREAS, the acquisition of a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree requires from 84 to 90 semester hours of post baccalaureate study and the Doctor of Philosophy degree usually requires 60 semester hours of post baccalaureate study along with the writing of a dissertation, the two degrees shall be considered as equivalent degrees for educational employment purposes;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all appropriate persons be requested to eliminate any policy, or practice, existing within their jurisdiction which disparages legal education or promotes discriminatory employment practices against J.D. degree-holders who hold academic appointment in education institutions.

I suspect that as the number of those holding LL.B.'s dwindle, the usage might eventually come into fashion. Someone graduating in the last couple of years told me that all letters sent to alumni are addressed with the 'correct' title.

So, here's my proposition: let's use the proper title. Always. Starting today, call all your local J.D.'s by their proper title, and let's give them their due!

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