Objective
The Faculty of Civil Law aims to develop men and women trained in the theory and practice of law and so imbued with Christian virtues and principles as to be worthy members of the legal profession and the community, particularly devoted to the pursuit of truth and the promotion of justice under a regime of liberty and democracy.
Brief History
The Faculty of Civil Law is the oldest lay faculty in the University as well as in the Philippines. It was established on September 2, 1734, the same year that the Faculty of Canon Law was founded, with a curriculum identical to that adopted during the time in leading universities of Europe. The number of subjects in the curriculum was later enriched and expanded. During the major part of the Spanish regime the course consisted of twelve semesters (six years), based upon a year of preparatory work.
During the American regime, the University of Santo Tomas modified the curriculum of the Faculty of Civil Law several times in order to meet the changing conditions. But firm in the resolve of turning out worthy members of the Bar and practical Catholic lawyers, the University adhered to its basic policy of retaining in its curriculum important subjects introduced during the Spanish regime to fully accomplish the aims and purposes of a sound Catholic legal education.
Under the Republic of the Philippines, the Faculty of Civil Law, faithful to the age-old principles guiding her mission, continues imparting the same solid formation, exacting the same academic discipline, and striving to serve the best interests of the profession and the nation.
Throughout her centuries old existence, the Faculty has given the nation four Philippine Presidents: Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio S. Osmeña, Jose P. Laurel, and Diosdado P. Macapagal. And it has also produced Seven Chief Justices: Cayetano L. Arellano, Victorino M. Mapa, Manuel G. Araullo, Ramon Q. Avanceña, Roberto B. Concepcion, Andres R. Narvasa and Diosdado M. Peralta.
The Faculty has produced four graduates who placed first in the annual bar examinations: Roberto B. Concepcion in 1924; Diosdado P. Macapagal in 1933; Arlene M. Maneja in 2002 and Ephraim P. Bie in 2023. Jose W. Diokno topped the bar exams in 1944 although he was not able to finish his law degree in UST due to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Program of Studies
The Faculty of Civil Law offers only one (1) program which leads to the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D). This is a four-year program. To obtain this degree, the student must pass all subjects under the prescribed curriculum.
Academic Term
The Faculty of Civil Law operates on semestral basis. Each semester lasts for about five months. An academic year covers two semesters.
Sessions
Classes in the Faculty of Civil Law are held from Monday to Saturday.
