Bachelor of Civil Law (abbreviated ‘BCL’ or ‘B.C.L.’) is the name of various degrees in law conferred by English-language universities. Historically, it originated as a postgraduate degree in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, but many universities now offer the BCL as an undergraduate degree. Reference to civil law was not originally in contradistinction to common law, but to canon law, although it is true that common law was not taught in the civil law faculties in either university until at least the second half of the 18th century. However, some universities in English-speaking countries use the degree in the former sense.
Famous quotes containing the words civil law, bachelor of, bachelor, civil and/or law:
“Just what is the civil law? What neither influence can affect, nor power break, nor money corrupt: were it to be suppressed or even merely ignored or inadequately observed, no one would feel safe about anything, whether his own possessions, the inheritance he expects from his father, or the bequests he makes to his children.”
—Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 B.C.)
“A Bachelor of Arts is one who makes love to a lot of women, and yet has the art to remain a bachelor.”
—Helen Rowland (1875–1950)
“Never trust a husband too far, nor a bachelor too near.”
—Helen Rowland (1875–1950)
“A war between Europeans is a civil war.”
—Victor Hugo (1802–1885)
“The law is not a “light” for you or any man to see by; the law is not an instrument of any kind. The law is a causeway upon which so long as he keeps to it a citizen may walk safely.”
—Robert Bolt (1924–1995)