> Why? Just seems like a barrier to entry to me for no good reason?
The ABA considered the appropriateness in 1964 without a dissenting vote and raised the standard in 1965[1]:
WHEREAS, There is a lack of uniformity among the law schools approved
by The American Bar Association as to the name of the first degree in law
awarded to successful applicants; and
WHEREAS, Confusion has arisen in the minds of the public as to the dif-
ference, if any, between the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and the Juris
Doctor (J.D.) degree; and
WHEREAS, Both of these degrees normally signify a first professional de-
gree in law; and
WHEREAS, Graduation from an approved law school requires the successful
completion of a course of study substantially above and beyond that re-
quired for the bachelor's degree in the Arts or Sciences: and
WHEREAS, The course of study in an approved law school is comparable to
or more demanding than other professional courses of study in which the
professional doctor's degree is awarded; and
WHEREAS, It is deemed to be in the best interest of the public and of the
legal profession that this confusion in terminology be eliminated and that
the high standards of professional training and the competency of graduates
of approved law schools be recognized by a uniform practice with respect to
the title of the first degree in law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Section of Legal Edu-
cation and Admissions to the Bar of The American Bar Association recom-
mends for all approved law schools favorable consideration of the con-
ferring of the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) by such schools on those students
who successfully complete the program leading to the first professional de-
gree in law.