Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law

Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law JSW Law is Bhutan's only law school established by the Royal Charter on 21st February 2015. Thus, we take the name of our school from our Great Fourth.

As we move forward as a vibrant and modern democracy, the Rule of Law plays an ever-increasing and significant role. His Majesty the King has emphasized that to create a just and content society, we must set in place the strong standards of the Rule of Law. Legal education is the foundation and an indispensable and vital component of such a society. Therefore, His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck established Bhutan's first law school by promulgating the Royal Charter on the auspicious day of the 21st February 2015. The core objective of the law school is to provide legal education, facilitate research in law and related fields, promote cultural enrichment and traditional values. To realize this core objective, the law school is guided by the core values reflected in our motto— “Justice, Service, Wisdom.” These values reflect our aspiration to promote justice, provide services unconditionally to the Tsa-Wa-Sum with the wisdom to promote vibrant democracy, the Rule of Law, and cultural and traditional values to ensure the well-being and happiness of the people and security of the nation. These values are founded on the qualities of His Majesty the Great Fourth—mirroring the initial “JSW” of His Majesty the King “Jigme Singye Wangchuck.” His Majesty the Fourth King is not only the author of Bhutan’s unique development, “Gross National Happiness”, but He is also the father of Bhutan’s Constitution and Democracy. It is His leadership, His excellence, and unshakable reputation that inspired us to name the school “Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law.” As our Nation’s Conscience, it is in His name, we are pledged to uphold our sacred Constitution, and aspire to achieve the goals of Gross National Happiness. To instill these core values in our students, as proclaimed by the benevolent founder of the Law School, His Majesty the King in the Royal Charter, the law school has the responsibility to create and promote an effective legal fraternity of educated, well-trained, and socially responsible professionals. Strong legal institutions fielded with such legal professionals can contribute to the promotion of the Rule of Law, vibrant democracy, fair and just society leading to the peaceful co-existence, unity, happiness and well-being of the people and the security and sovereignty of the nation. Therefore, one of the important roles of the Law School is to impart both traditional and modern legal education to improve the national capacity to analyze and to address contemporary issues of public concern and their legal implications for the benefit of the Kingdom and its people. As such, the JSW Law’s curriculum and research or scholarships reflect Bhutan’s current legal needs including the interdisciplinarity of law with international relations and politics, domestic and international business and commerce, the tenets of GNH (environmental conservation, promotion of culture, sustainability, and good governance), religion and social sciences. The law school opened its door to the historic first class of students (Class of 2022) on 3rd July 2017. Currently, we have full five cohorts, totaling 108 (70 female and 38 male) undergraduate students. Further, we are exploring the possibility of providing specialized postgraduate programs (environmental law, climate change law and policy, information technology and law, and contract law).

The Fifth Graduation Ceremony of JSW Law celebrated 27 graduates of the Class of 2026, marking the culmination of years ...
12/09/2026

The Fifth Graduation Ceremony of JSW Law celebrated 27 graduates of the Class of 2026, marking the culmination of years of learning and the beginning of a greater responsibility to serve with Justice, Service, and Wisdom.

With this year’s graduation, 139 legal professionals have now graduated from JSW Law, marking another significant milestone in the School’s journey of developing legal professionals for Bhutan and beyond. This year also marked the first graduating cohort of the LLM/MLS in Climate Change and Environmental Law, with six graduates completing the programme.

The occasion was graced by the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan as the Chief Guest and Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the Founding Honourable President of JSW Law, alongside members of the Governing Council, distinguished guests, faculty and staff, institutional partners, families, and well-wishers.

The Class of 2026 comprised 19 graduates from the five-year LL.B. programme, two from the PGDNL programme, and six from the LLM/MLS programme.

From Wisdom, through Service, to Justice.

At Sherab Lhakhang, the Shrine of Wisdom, the graduands received their Dhar and Manjushri Luung from His Eminence Tshogi Lopen Sangay Khandu and their Graduation Medals from the Honourable President. The journey continued to the JSW Kachen, where they took and signed the Oath of Service, before proceeding to the Justice Ceremony for the formal conferral of their degrees.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Mirror of Wisdom Award by the Honourable Prime Minister and a Commencement Address to the graduating class, followed by cultural performances celebrating Bhutanese heritage, gratitude, and togetherness.

Three stages. Three values. One calling—to carry knowledge into the world with wisdom, a commitment to justice, and a spirit of service.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May Wisdom guide your path, Justice shape your purpose, and Service define your journey.

We thank our partners for their continued support: Government of Bhutan of India, India in Bhutan (Embassy of India, Thimphu) ://www.whitecase.com/ Foundation: https://www.karunafound.org/, UNDP Bhutan, the European Union, UNICEF Bhutan, and many other donors and supporters.

Bringing together perspectives on Buddhist traditions, governance and the rule of law, the JSW Law Research Centre today...
04/09/2026

Bringing together perspectives on Buddhist traditions, governance and the rule of law, the JSW Law Research Centre today organised “Buddhism, Democracy and the Rule of Law,” an interactive international seminar held on campus.

The seminar brought together distinguished scholars from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark; the University of Vienna, Austria; the Universidad de Sevilla, Spain; Kyoto University, Japan; and the University of Otago, New Zealand. The scholars presented their current research to faculty and students of JSW Law and the Royal Academy.

The discussions explored how Buddhist traditions of governance have been translated into the institutions of the modern state, and how the older ideal of chos srid zung ’brel—the union of religion and politics—has been reinterpreted in this process. Presentations examined the limitations of viewing societies as following a single, linear transition from religion to secular rationality, particularly in non-Western contexts; the distinction drawn in the Constitution of Bhutan between Buddhism as the spiritual heritage of the nation and Buddhism as a matter of individual belief; and principles of governance found in a nineteenth-century treatise on the conduct of rulers, including the conditional nature of royal authority, equality before the law, and proportionality in punishment.

The seminar concluded with a comparative examination of the constitutional treatment of Buddhism in Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, placing the discussions within a broader regional perspective.

The programme was attended by faculty and students of JSW Law and the Royal Academy, as well as representatives of the Druk Gyalpo’s Institute. It was supported by the University of Otago, New Zealand.

JSW Law was honoured to welcome the Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and h...
02/09/2026

JSW Law was honoured to welcome the Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and her delegation to the School today.

The visit provided an opportunity to share JSW Law’s work in legal education, justice innovation and legal leadership, while exploring possibilities for academic exchange, knowledge sharing and greater regional engagement.

A key part of the programme was a presentation on the Wisdom Centre for Justice (WCJ), highlighting its vision and work in advancing citizen-centred justice, legal empowerment, justice innovation and knowledge exchange, strengthened through its partnership with UNDP Bhutan.

The programme also included an interactive session with JSW Law faculty and students, providing an opportunity for dialogue on legal education, leadership and the evolving role of law in building more accessible, responsive and inclusive justice systems.

The engagement further reflected JSW Law’s collaboration with UNDP Bhutan and UNICEF Bhutan in advancing people-centred and inclusive approaches to justice, including through initiatives supporting access to justice, child justice, capacity building and knowledge sharing.

The visit was a valued opportunity to exchange perspectives, share JSW Law’s institutional work, and foster stronger connections within the regional legal and academic community.

JSW Law has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with O.P. Jindal Global University, Jindal Global Law School, establish...
01/09/2026

JSW Law has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with O.P. Jindal Global University, Jindal Global Law School, establishing a framework for collaboration in research, faculty and student exchanges, and joint academic programmes.

JSW Law is pleased to partner with the leading private university in India. This partnership is part of JSW Law's ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with Indian institutions and deepen relations between the people of Bhutan and India. The MoU also reflects JSW Law's commitment to building enduring academic partnerships that broaden opportunities for its students and faculty.

22 August 2026: The 3rd Child Justice Summer School concluded, bringing six days of learning, dialogue and shared experi...
24/08/2026

22 August 2026: The 3rd Child Justice Summer School concluded, bringing six days of learning, dialogue and shared experiences focused on strengthening child-sensitive and child-centred justice.

Building professional capacity to ensure that every child in contact with the justice system is heard, respected and supported.

We extend our sincere appreciation to UNICEF Bhutan for its valued support and continued partnership.

“Justice that understands children is justice that serves them better.”

Unicef Bhutan
Life at JSW Law

The JSW Law held a New Appointment Ceremony this morning at Sherab Lhakhang, marking the formal assumption of new roles ...
17/08/2026

The JSW Law held a New Appointment Ceremony this morning at Sherab Lhakhang, marking the formal assumption of new roles and responsibilities within the School. Karma Choden, Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator for the LL.B.,PGDNL Programme, has been appointed as Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning. The School also welcomed Jamyang Choden as External Relations Officer, Kinley Bidha as Assistant Research Officer, Kinga Zam as Assistant Programme Officer, and Choki Yuden as Assistant Student Services Officer.

These appointments strengthen JSW Law’s leadership and institutional support across experiential learning, external relations, research and student services.

Tashi Delek and best wishes on your new appointments!

A justice system is at its strongest when it protects the rights, dignity and best interests of every child.With this vi...
17/08/2026

A justice system is at its strongest when it protects the rights, dignity and best interests of every child.

With this vision, the JSW Law, in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan, commenced the 3rd Child Justice Summer School Programme today at JSW Law, Pangbisa.

Running from 17–22 August 2026, the programme brings together justice sector professionals with a shared goal: to strengthen a justice system that understands children, responds to their needs and protects their rights at every stage of the justice process.

The Summer School focuses on strengthening professional capacity in child-sensitive justice, child-centred communication, access to justice, restorative justice, diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration. Through practical learning, dialogue and shared experiences, participants will explore how these principles can be translated into practice.

The opening programme was joined by the Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bhutan, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing a justice system where every child is treated with dignity, heard with understanding and supported towards rehabilitation and reintegration.
UNICEF Bhutan

Happy 80th Independence Day of India.
15/08/2026

Happy 80th Independence Day of India.

JSW Law successfully organised its Annual Intramural Moot Court Competition from 8–9 August 2026, bringing together 32 l...
11/08/2026

JSW Law successfully organised its Annual Intramural Moot Court Competition from 8–9 August 2026, bringing together 32 law students for a two-day competition focused on legal research, advocacy, analytical reasoning, and oral argument.

The competition provided students with an opportunity to strengthen practical advocacy skills, build confidence, and gain experience in competitive mooting, while also serving as a pathway to regional and international moot court competitions.

Winning Team – Team 410 R
Jamyang Kinley Pema (Class of 2028)
Kinley Yangden (Class of 2029)

Runners-Up – Team 407 A
Euden Dema (Class of 2028)
Tenzin Euden (Class of 2030)

Top Three Oralists
Jamyang Kinley Pema (Class of 2028)
Sonam Yugeayong Lhaden (Class of 2028)
Euden Dema (Class of 2028)

Best Applicant Memorial – Team 407 A
Euden Dema (Class of 2028)
Tenzin Euden (Class of 2030)

Best Respondent Memorial – Team 408 R
Jamsel Tobden (Class of 2029)
Sangsum Lhayang (Class of 2030)

Semi-Finalists
Team 412 R
Pyelma Syeldon (Class of 2028)
Thinley Namda (Class of 2030)

Team 413 A
Rigxel Yangchen (Class of 2028)
Pema Dolkar (Class of 2030)

Quarter-Finalists
Team 403 A
Damtshig Dema (Class of 2029)
Tshedak Wangpo Gyatsho (Class of 2029)

Team 408 R
Jamsel Tobden (Class of 2029)
Sangsum Lhayang (Class of 2030)

Team 414 R
Tashi Wangmo (Class of 2028)
Kuenga Palmo (Class of 2030)

Team 415 A
Sonam Yugeayong Lhaden (Class of 2028)
Sonam Tenzin (Class of 2030)

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work, dedication, and excellent advocacy throughout the competition.

JSW Law also expresses its sincere appreciation to the judges, faculty members, and the Moot Society for their valuable support in making the competition a success.

Moot Court Society - JSW School of Law
Life at JSW Law

The JSW Law family celebrates the Birth Anniversary of our Honourable President, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Decha...
05/08/2026

The JSW Law family celebrates the Birth Anniversary of our Honourable President, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.

A day of gratitude and reverence, honouring Her Royal Highness’s wisdom, compassion, and inspiring leadership that continue to guide and inspire the JSW Law community.

Happy Birthday, Your Royal Highness La!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HQhXp3esk/

Address

Paro, PO Box 1204
Paro
120010

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+97577184444

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law:

Shortcuts

Share

Category