Translation and Meaning of: 法学 - hougaku

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 法学 (hougaku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: hougaku

Kana: ほうがく

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1

法学

Translation / Meaning: law; jurisprudence

Meaning in English: law;jurisprudence

Definition: Precedent: The study of legal principles and legal interests and the interpretation of legal systems and laws.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (法学) hougaku

The word 「法学」 (hougaku) is composed of two kanji: 「法」 and 「学」. The first kanji, 「法」, means "law" or "principle". It is formed by the radical 「氵」 related to water, which is often used in characters associated with order and flow, combined with 「去」, which can denote a concept of leaving or departing from something. The 「学」, on the other hand, means "study" or "science", being an ideographic representation of a child under a roof, symbolizing education and learning. Together, these kanji form the expression for "jurisprudence" or "legal science".

The term 「法学」 refers to the systematic and theoretical study of legislation and legal principles. In the academic context, it encompasses the analysis of legal norms, codes, statutes, and their application in society. The discipline of law is one of the oldest, originating from the time societies began to formulate rules of coexistence and governance structures. This makes the study of law fundamental to understanding the legal, political, and social dynamics of various civilizations over time.

The origin of the study of law dates back to the earliest civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. However, the modern concept of 「法学」, as studied in Asian universities today, is strongly influenced by Western legal traditions. This is due to the internationalization and cultural exchange between legal systems throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, when many Asian countries went through processes of modernization and reform of their legal codes. Thus, 「法学」 is not just a technical discipline, but also a field that explores ethical, moral, and social issues associated with the functioning of laws.

In Japan, the study of 「法学」 is considered one of the most important and respected fields among the social sciences. Students pursuing this altruistic domain are often motivated by the attempt to contribute to social justice and the orderly functioning of society. Thus, legal education in Japan is not limited to theoretical aspects but also emphasizes practical application and the ethical resolution of conflicts.

Synonyms and similar words

法律学 (Hōgaku) - Study of Law, an academic discipline that explores legal norms.
法律科学 (Hōritsu Kagaku) - Legal Science, scientific focus on the analysis of laws and legal systems.
法律研究 (Hōritsu Kenkyū) - Legal Research, in-depth investigation of legal and regulatory issues.
法律理論 (Hōritsu Riron) - Theory of Law, study of the bases and theoretical foundations of Law.
法学研究 (Hōgaku Kenkyū) - Legal research, similar to legal research, but with a broader focus on legal sciences.
法学理論 (Hōgaku Riron) - Theory of Legal Sciences involves a critical analysis of the theories that underpin the study of Law.