SPANISH FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Enhance your communication with this essential English-Spanish vocabulary guide for legal professionals. Whether you’re working with clients or navigating legal procedures, these key terms will help you bridge the language gap effectively.
Vocabulary
This English-Spanish vocabulary is tailored for legal professionals, covering essential terms to assist in client interactions, legal documentation, and courtroom proceedings. Explore key categories to strengthen your bilingual communication skills in the legal field.
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General Legal Terms
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Court Proceedings and Legal Actions
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Criminal Law
- Civil Law
- Immigration Law
- Family Law
- Contracts and Agreements
- Real Estate Law
- Common Legal Phrases
General Legal Terms
Familiarize yourself with foundational legal terminology to enhance your understanding and communication in various legal contexts.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Law | Ley |
| Attorney | Abogado(a) |
| Client | Cliente |
| Court | Corte |
| Judge | Juez(a) |
| Lawyer | Abogado(a) |
| Litigation | Litigio |
| Case | Caso |
| Trial | Juicio |
| Defendant | Demandado(a) / Acusado(a) |
| Plaintiff | Demandante |
| Verdict | Veredicto |
| Jury | Jurado |
| Evidence | Prueba(s) |
| Witness | Testigo |
| Testimony | Testimonio |
| Appeal | Apelación |
| Conviction | Condena |
| Sentencing | Sentencia |
| Ruling | Fallo |
| Defensive Lawyer | Abogado defensor |
Court Proceedings and Legal Actions
Learn key vocabulary for courtroom interactions, legal filings, and judicial processes to navigate the legal system effectively.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Complaint | Queja / Demanda |
| Summons | Citación |
| Subpoena | Citatorio |
| Deposition | Declaración |
| Discovery | Descubrimiento (de pruebas) |
| Pretrial | Audiencia preliminar |
| Trial date | Fecha del juicio |
| Motion | Moción |
| Hearing | Audiencia |
| Court Order | Orden judicial |
| Bail | Fianza |
| Bond | Póliza de fianza |
| Injunction | Orden judicial |
| Plea | Declaración (de culpabilidad o inocencia) |
| Indictment | Acusación formal |
Criminal Law
This section provides essential terms for discussing criminal cases, charges, and related legal proceedings.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Crime | Crimen |
| Felony | Delito mayor |
| Misdemeanor | Delito menor |
| Offender | Delincuente |
| Convicted | Condenado(a) |
| Sentence | Condena |
| Parole | Libertad condicional |
| Probation | Libertad provisional |
| Homicide | Homicidio |
| Assault | Agresión |
| Robbery | Robo |
| Theft | Hurto |
| Fraud | Fraude |
| Burglary | Allanamiento de morada |
| Kidnapping | Secuestro |
Civil Law
Expand your knowledge with vocabulary for civil disputes, legal rights, and non-criminal cases.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Contract | Contrato |
| Breach of contract | Incumplimiento de contrato |
| Damages | Daños |
| Compensation | Compensación |
| Personal injury | Lesiones personales |
| Negligence | Negligencia |
| Tort | Agravio |
| Lawsuit | Demanda |
| Settlement | Acuerdo |
| Claim | Reclamación |
| Defamation | Difamación |
| Copyright | Derecho de autor |
| Patent | Patente |
| Trademark | Marca registrada |
| Property | Propiedad |
| Liability | Responsabilidad |
Immigration Law
Master the terminology needed to address immigration processes, visas, and residency issues.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Immigration | Inmigración |
| Visa | Visa |
| Green card | Tarjeta verde |
| Work permit | Permiso de trabajo |
| Citizenship | Ciudadanía |
| Asylum | Asilo |
| Deportation | Deportación |
| Naturalization | Naturalización |
| Residency | Residencia |
| Refugee | Refugiado(a) |
| Illegal immigrant | Inmigrante ilegal |
Family Law
Get equipped with terms related to divorce, custody, adoption, and other family-related legal matters.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Divorce | Divorcio |
| Separation | Separación |
| Child custody | Custodia de hijos |
| Child support | Manutención infantil |
| Alimony | Pensión alimenticia |
| Adoption | Adopción |
| Domestic violence | Violencia doméstica |
| Marriage | Matrimonio |
| Pre-nuptial agreement | Acuerdo prenupcial |
Contracts and Agreements
Learn the vocabulary essential for drafting, reviewing, and understanding legal contracts and agreements.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Agreement | Acuerdo |
| Terms | Términos |
| Clause | Cláusula |
| Sign | Firmar |
| Negotiate | Negociar |
| Breach | Incumplimiento |
| Validity | Validez |
| Amendment | Enmienda |
| Termination | Terminación |
Real Estate Law
Navigate property transactions and disputes confidently with key terms for real estate law.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Real estate | Bienes raíces |
| Property deed | Escritura de propiedad |
| Title | Título de propiedad |
| Mortgage | Hipoteca |
| Lease | Contrato de arrendamiento |
| Tenant | Inquilino |
| Landlord | Propietario / Arrendador |
| Eviction | Desalojo |
Common Legal Phrases
These general phrases will help you communicate effectively in various legal scenarios, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| I plead not guilty | Me declaro no culpable |
| I hereby declare | Por la presente declaro |
| In accordance with the law | De acuerdo con la ley |
| Under oath | Bajo juramento |
| To the best of my knowledge | Según mi leal saber y entender |
| I object | Me opongo |
| The court rules that | El tribunal dicta que |
| To be found guilty | Ser hallado culpable |
| To press charges | Presentar cargos |
| Right to remain silent | Derecho a guardar silencio |
| Right to an attorney | Derecho a un abogado |
| Evidence presented | Pruebas presentadas |
| Witness testimony | Testimonio de testigos |
| Cross-examination | Contra-interrogatorio |
About the Author:
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Bio: 28-year-old graphic designer and writer with 7 years of experience, passionate about communication in all its aspects as the main tool to forge links. I consider myself a detailed, patient, and empathetic person, so even if you consider yourself a difficult student, I will know how to guide you to reach the level of Spanish you need for whatever activity you have in mind. As a student of Literature, I always had the same love for books and their stories, as well as for the Spanish language and its formation. I believe that the best way to learn is to be passionate about what you are learning and that is what I always want to achieve with my students. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, so I have knowledge about the different learning stages that a person can go through and the different strategies to approach them.
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