Law terms help build foundational vocabulary for understanding legal systems and concepts across various branches of law.
This guide introduces essential legal vocabulary spanning general concepts, courtroom roles, contract basics, and criminal law. Each section includes clear explanations and example sentences to aid comprehension.
General Legal Terms
These are fundamental words used in law regardless of the specific field. They appear in textbooks, articles, and legal documents worldwide.
| English Term | English Term (Example) | Example (EN) | Example (EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| law | law | The law applies to everyone. | La ley aplica a todos. |
| legal | legal | She sought legal advice. | Ella buscó asesoría legal. |
| court | court | The case went to court. | El caso fue a la corte. |
| judge | judge | The judge made a ruling. | El juez tomó una decisión. |
| trial | trial | The trial lasted two weeks. | El juicio duró dos semanas. |
| verdict | verdict | The verdict was unanimous. | El veredicto fue unánime. |
| appeal | appeal | They filed an appeal. | Presentaron una apelación. |
| lawyer | lawyer | The lawyer defended the client. | El abogado defendió al cliente. |
| defendant | defendant | The defendant pleaded not guilty. | El acusado se declaró no culpable. |
| plaintiff | plaintiff | The plaintiff filed a lawsuit. | El demandante presentó una demanda. |
Courtroom Roles
These terms identify the people involved in trials. Understanding these roles clarifies who does what during legal proceedings.
| English Term | English Term (Example) | Example (EN) | Example (EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| judge | judge | The judge oversaw the case. | El juez supervisó el caso. |
| jury | jury | The jury deliberated for hours. | El jurado deliberó durante horas. |
| lawyer | lawyer | The lawyer cross-examined a witness. | El abogado interrogó a un testigo. |
| prosecutor | prosecutor | The prosecutor presented evidence. | La fiscal presentó pruebas. |
| defense attorney | defense attorney | The defense attorney argued innocence. | El abogado defensor alegó inocencia. |
| witness | witness | The witness testified in court. | El testigo declaró en el tribunal. |
| bailiff | bailiff | The bailiff maintained order. | El alguacil mantuvo el orden. |
| court reporter | court reporter | The court reporter transcribed everything. | El taquígrafo judicial transcribió todo. |
| clerk | clerk | The clerk managed court documents. | El secretario manejó los documentos judiciales. |
| defendant | defendant | The defendant waited nervously. | El acusado esperó nervioso. |
Contract Basics
Contracts are agreements that create legal obligations. These terms appear in business deals, employment agreements, and more.
| English Term | English Term (Example) | Example (EN) | Example (EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| contract | contract | They signed a contract. | Firmaron un contrato. |
| agreement | agreement | The agreement was written. | El acuerdo fue escrito. |
| clause | clause | The contract included a confidentiality clause. | El contrato incluía una cláusula de confidencialidad. |
| parties | parties | Both parties agreed to the terms. | Ambas partes aceptaron los términos. |
| breach | breach | There was a breach of contract. | Hubo un incumplimiento de contrato. |
| terms | terms | The terms were clearly stated. | Los términos estaban claramente establecidos. |
| obligation | obligation | Each party has obligations. | Cada parte tiene obligaciones. |
| signature | signature | The document required a signature. | El documento requería una firma. |
| enforce | enforce | The court can enforce the contract. | El tribunal puede hacer cumplir el contrato. |
| terminate | terminate | They agreed to terminate the contract early. | Acordaron terminar el contrato anticipadamente. |
Criminal Law
These words are used when discussing crimes, investigations, and punishments. They are common in news reports and legal discussions about criminal cases.
| English Term | English Term (Example) | Example (EN) | Example (EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| crime | crime | The police investigated the crime. | La policía investigó el crimen. |
| suspect | suspect | The suspect was arrested. | Arrestaron al sospechoso. |
| arrest | arrest | The officer made an arrest. | El oficial hizo un arresto. |
| charge | charge | He was charged with theft. | Fue acusado de robo. |
| bail | bail | She was released on bail. | Fue liberada bajo fianza. |
| sentence | sentence | The judge gave a harsh sentence. | El juez impuso una sentencia dura. |
| parole | parole | He was granted parole. | Le concedieron la libertad condicional. |
| victim | victim | The victim testified in court. | La víctima declaró en la corte. |
| felony | felony | Robbery is a felony. | El robo es un delito grave. |
| misdemeanor | misdemeanor | Trespassing is a misdemeanor. | La intrusión es un delito menor. |
Understanding these foundational law terms equips you to follow legal discussions and read basic legal documents with greater confidence.
¿Cuál es el término para una acción que rompe la ley? ___.
What is the term for an action that breaks the law?
crime
A 'crime' is an illegal act. 'Contract' is a legal agreement, 'appeal' is a review, and 'verdict' is a decision.
¿Cómo se llama un delito grave que suele tener una condena dura? ___.
What is a serious crime called that usually carries a heavy sentence?
felony
A 'felony' is a serious crime with harsh penalties. A 'misdemeanor' is less serious, while 'violation' and 'infraction' are minor offenses.
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- Example (EN): La ley aplica a todos.
- English Term: law
- English Term (Example): law
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
