Honorary Law DegreeReward for Extraordinary AchievementAn honorary law degree is an academic degree for which a university waves the usual requirements, such as study and the passing of examinations. This type of degree can be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the awarding university. It is based on a person’s advocacy and contribution to a specific cause, deemed important by the awarding education institution. Who Receives these Honorary Degrees in Law? Usually this degree is conferred as a way of honoring a person who has made a significant contribution to the law field or society in general. These degrees are usually awarded at a regular graduation ceremony, with the recipient making a formal speech in front of the university body. Some more famous examples of recipients of this degree include: • Michael J. Fox – who received this degree from the University of British Columbia. He was awarded this degree for his contribution to advocacy for Parkinson’s disease. • Harry Potters author JK Rowling – who received an honorary degree from the University of Aberdeen for her contribution and advocacy for research into multiple sclerosis. • Bono, U2 frontman - received a honorary degree in law from Japan’s Keio University for his work in the fight against poverty and AIDS in Africa. For more examples of celebrity honorary degree recipients, read this
Sunday Times article.
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