A discrete joint finite element with joint surface degradation was developed to investigate the shear behavior of rough rock joint. Isoparametric formulation was used for facilitating the implementation of the element in existing Finite Element Codes. The elasto-plastic joint deformation model with the discontinuity constitutive law proposed by Plesha was applied to the element. The reliability of the developed finite element code was successfully testified through numerical direct shear tests conducted under both constant normal stress and constant normal displacement conditions. The result of the numerical direct shear test showed that the code can capture characteristic deformation features envisaged in the direct shear test of rough rock joint.