The degree was first awarded in the United States in the early 20th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree (such as the "Dottore in Giurisprudenza" in Italy and the "Juris Utriusque Doctor" in Germany and central Europe). Originating from the 19th-century Harvard movement for the scientific study of law and first denominated LL.B., it is a degree that in most common law jurisdictions is the primary professional preparation for lawyers. It traditionally involves a three-year program, although some U.S. law schools offer a two-year accelerated program in which students complete courses over two additional summer semesters. The LL.B. was replaced by the J.D. in the US in the later 20th century.