Spanish Legal Vocabulary
Spanish vocabulary for courts and legal proceedings is essential for anyone working in or reporting on law. This guide gives you key terms so you can follow and describe courtroom events accurately.
Court Vocabulary
Court vocabulary covers the places, people, and basic concepts you encounter in a trial or legal process. These foundational terms appear in news reports, transcripts, and legal documents.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| la corte / el tribunal | the court / the tribunal |
| el juez / la jueza | the judge |
| el jurado | the jury |
| el abogado / la abogada | the lawyer / the attorney |
| el fiscal / la fiscal | the prosecutor |
| la defensa | the defense |
| el acusado / la acusada | the defendant |
| el testigo | the witness |
| el veredicto | the verdict |
| el juicio | the trial |
Legal Vocabulary
Legal vocabulary includes terms for charges, procedures, and rights that come up during criminal and civil cases. These words help you describe what is alleged, decided, or enforced.
| Spanish Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| el delito | the crime |
| la acusación | the charge / the accusation |
| la demanda | the lawsuit / the claim |
| la pena | the sentence / the penalty |
| la fianza | the bail |
| la audiencia | the hearing |
| la sentencia | the ruling / the sentence |
| el arresto | the arrest |
| la prueba | the evidence |
| el abogado defensor / la abogada defensora | the defense attorney |
Examples
Summary
Spanish legal and court vocabulary revolves around terms for institutions, roles, procedures, and charges. Learning these key words allows you to understand and report on trials and legal matters with precision.
Last updated: Fri Sep 19, 2025