According to a March 23 news release, the resurrected program will be run by Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law and University of King’s College School of Journalism, Writing & Publishing.
It is described as an “integrated four-year” program allowing students “to pursue advanced education in both journalism and law” and preparing graduates “to work at the intersection of media and public policy.”
“Although joint journalism–law programs exist elsewhere, this program is unique in Canada in that it offers students the chance to pursue a law degree and a graduate degree in journalism simultaneously,” states the release.
It goes on to note that the renewed program “builds on an earlier version offered from 2016 to 2018.”
Clarity as to why that initial program ended was not provided by press time.
In a statement, King’s College associate journalism professor Lisa Taylor called the timing of the program’s re-launch “perfect,” given the need to combat online “misinformation and disinformation.”
“Now more than ever, we need journalism that interrogates claims and offers informed analysis,” said Taylor in a statement. “This important work can be enhanced by a thorough understanding of the law.”
In answering questions from Law360 Canada, Taylor said graduates with training in both law and journalism will be able to “cut through the noise” when gathering information.
“The JD program teaches critical thinking skills and practical knowledge about the legal system, including how laws are created and enforced, and the ins and outs of the Canadian judicial system,” said Taylor. “JD students learn to read through hundreds of pages to identify the salient facts. Graduates are expert at distinguishing between fact and fiction. In the era of constant information, journalists with a JD will be able to cut through the noise and quickly identify and report on the facts.”
When asked how many students will be accepted to the new program, Taylor only said “a small cohort” is expected at first, but noted there is hope enrollment increases as graduates spread the word about the program.
Taylor confirmed the joint program is “a first in Canada,” but noted there are similar programs at several U.S. law schools, including those at Columbia University, Drake University, the University of Arizona and the University of Missouri. Such programs can also be found at England’s Bournemouth University and Australia’s Macquarie University, she said.
The news release points to an “inherent” connection between law and journalism in that both focus on the value of public service.
It notes King’s “longstanding investigative public service mandate and Schulich’s steadfast adherence to the Weldon Tradition, which emphasizes lawyers’ responsibility “to serve the community and the public good.”
“The Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service is central to what we do at the Schulich School of Law,” said Schulich associate professor and associate dean Jodi Lazare in a statement. “Combining law and journalism means graduates will be equipped with the best tools to contribute to their communities in the pursuit of both information and democracy.”
The joint program is set to begin in the fall of 2027. Although, the release states that some journalism students may be able to start earlier.
“The proposed structure starts with a year of journalism coursework, followed by a full year of JD studies. Students then spend the third and fourth years completing a blend of law and journalism courses.”
It notes that the re-launch of the program is being “championed” by the Dal-King’s Relationship Task Force, an initiative that started in 2024 to explore opportunities for “more streamlined transitions between existing programs,” new “interdisciplinary pathways” and shared student “supports and spaces.”
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