Degree - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition degree

Definition :

Degree [fr. degre, Fr.; degrat, O. Fr.; gradus, Lat.], a step; the difference in relative importance of the same species, also to denote priorities in family relationships; the state of a person, as to be a barrister-at-law, or to be a Bachelor or Master of Arts of a University; in criminal law, an accused person is a principal in the first degree (i.e., the actual perpetrator of the crime) or in the second dgree (i.e., one who merely aids and abets).

means a degree obtained by examination after a minimum of three years' study, although a research degree obtained by thesis, or a degree obtained by examination in less than three years may be considered on its merits, including, if necessary, the qualifications on which registration for the degree was based, Consolidated Regulations of the Four Inns of Court (1988) Sch. 2, Category II(a) (UK) Halsbury's Laws of England 3(1), para 374, p. 290.