Legal English Spanish Definition Flashcards
abstract (summary)- n
. resumen, sumario, extracto
accessory (assistant in a crime)
- n. accesorio
acid (LSD, an hallucinogenic drug)- n
. ácido
accomplice (assistant in a crime)- n
. cómplice
accusation (written charge)- n.
acusación, denuncia
accused (defendant)- n.
acusado
acquit (to decide as innocent, let free)- v.
absolver, exogenar, exculpar
acquittal (clearing of a person from a charge;
finding the defendant not guilty)- n.
absolución
action (lawsuit)- n.
acción, proceso, acto
addict (someone who is addicted to drugs)- n.
n. adicto
adjudicate (to judge)- v.
adjudicar
adjudication (deciding of a case through judicial or administrative hearing-n.
adjudicación
admissible (acceptable)- adj.
admisible, aceptable
admission (disclosure of adverse facts)- n.
admisión, confesión
adoption (legal process establishing a parental relationship between adoptive parent and child born of other parents)- n
. adopción
advisement of rights (making a person aware of their rights)- n.
notificación de derechos
affidavit (official sworn statement)- n.
declaración jurada, testimonio
affidavit of prejudice (sworn statement alleging a potential judge is biased)- n.
declaración jurada de prejuicio
agreement (mutual promises)- n.
acuerdo, convenio
aid and abet (to assist in a crime)- v.
ser cómplice de, ayudar
alibi (defendant’s story of innocence when a crime is committed, allegedly by another)- n.
coartada, alibí
alien (foreign-born immigrant who is not naturalized)- n.
extranjero
alimony (support payment to divorced spouse)- n.
pensión alimenticia
allegation (statement of fact the party intends to prove)- n
. alegación
alleged (asserted as a true fact, but not yet proven)- adj.
alegado
amend (to revise)- v
. enmendar
amendment (modification of a document)- n.
enmienda
amphetamine (a stimulant and appetite-
suppressing narcotic)- n
. anfetamina
angel dust (PCP, an hallucinogenic drug)- n.
polvo de ángel, cucuy
answer (defendant’s formal document setting out defense in a civil case)- n
. contestación a la demanda
anthrax (an infectious disease of livestock which can be transmitted to humans)- n.
ántrax
appeal (a review of a case by a higher court)- n. ; (to file a case in a higher court)- v.
apelación
appearance (party’s presence in court)- n.
comparecencia
arbitration (judging of a dispute)- n.
arbitraje
argument (debate in front of the court)- n.
argumento
argumentative (fond of arguing)- adj.
argumentativo
arraign (to formally advise defendant of the charges at an initial court appearance)- v
. acusar
arraignment (legal procedure to advise defendant of the charges; initial court appearance)- n.
acusación, denuncia
arrest (law enforcement’s taking of a suspect into formal custody)- n.
arresto
arson (beginning a criminal fire)- n.
incendio intencional
assault (attack on another person)- n.
ataque, agresión
assault, aggravated (higher degree of assault)- n
. asalto más grave, ataque agravado
assault with a deadly weapon (attacking a person with a weapon that could potentially take a life)- n.
asalto con arma mortífera
assignee (counsel assigned to defendant)- n.
apoderado, cesionario
at issue (in question; the issue being addressed)- adj.
en cuestión, de lo que se está hablando
attest (to affirm under oath)- v.
deposición, atestación
attorney (legal representative)- n.
abogado, consejero, procurador
attorney of record (the person who has been recorded in the case file as the counsel for that case)- n.
abogado que consta
authenticate (verify as authentic)- v.
autentificar
auto tampering (to interfere or meddle with another’s automobile)- n.
hacer modificaciones fraudulentas a un auto
bail (money or property given as security for the release of a defendant awaiting trial)- n.
fianza, caución
bail bondsman (person responsible hired to enforce the conditions of bail)- n.
persona responsible de hacer cumplir las condiciones de la fianza
bail forfeiture (losing the money spent on bail because defendant violates the conditions of the bail)- n.
pérdida del dinero usado para fianza por haberse violado las condiciones de la fianza
bail review (official reconsideration of bail)- n.
revisión de fianza
bailiff (officer of the court)- n.
alguacil
bankruptcy (legal declaration of one’s inability
to pay debts)- n
. bancarrota, quiebra
battery (physical attack on another person)- n.
agresión
battery, spousal (physical attack on one’s
spouse)- n
. agresión contra la pareja
bench (judge or court)- n.
banco, tribunal
bias (prejudice)- n.
parcialidad, predisposición, prejuicio
blow (slang for cocaine, a stimulant narcotic)- n.
cocaína
body attachment (official attachment of document to case file)- n
. anexo oficial de un documento al archivo
bond (certificate of debt redeemable by court if defendant fails to appear in court)- n.
bono, obligación
booking number (identification number for case of person under arrest)- n.
número del caso o del arrestado
bookmaking (the business of taking bets)- n.
el negocio de tomar apuestas
brandishing a weapon (carrying a weapon in a threatening manner)- n.
llevar un arma en forma amenazadora
breaking and entering (illegally entering a building)- n
. allanamiento de morada
breathalyzer (breath test for alcohol)- n.
análisis de aliento
bribe (an illegal offer of money, property or services for another service)- n.
soborno, mordida
brief (written summary of case)- n
. alegato, resumen
burden of proof (legal requirement of prosecution to prove the guilt of defendant)- n
. obligación de prueba
burglary (theft, stealing)- n
. robo, hurto
calendar, court (official scheduling calendar for a particular court, usually scheduled by the court clerk)- n.
lista de pleitos, calendario judicial
capital punishment (death penalty)- n
. pena capital
case (criminal or civil lawsuit)- n
. caso, pleito
case of action (criminal or civil lawsuit)- n.
denuncia criminal o civil
causation (a causing, something producing an effect)- n.
causativo, causante
certified (verified as authentic or accurate)- adj. ; (in possession of an official certificate which identifies that its holder is qualified or professional)- adj.
certificado, titulado
chain of custody (order of parental relationships to child)- n
. cadena de custodia, resumen del orden de las relaciones de los padres al hijo
challenge (to object to the qualifications of a potential jury)- v.
poner objeción, recusación
challenge for a cause (party’s challenge to disqualify a potential juror)- n.
recusación para causa
chambers (judge’s office)- n
. cámara, sala
charge (accusation; indictment)- n.
acusación
child molestation (sexually attacking or abusing a child)- n.
molestia sexual de niño, abuso infantil
child support (monetary responsibility to support child)- n.
manutención de niño
circumstances, aggravating (fact or situation which increases the degree of liability or responsibility for a criminal act)- n.
circunstancias agravantes
circumstances, mitigating (fact or situation which does not justify or excuse an offense, but does reduce the degree of liability or responsibility and may also reduce the damages [civil] or punishment [criminal])- n.
circunstancias mitigantes
citation (official notice to appear in court, especially in traffic court)- n (notation of legal authority)- n.
. citación, cita ; notación de autoridad legal
city attorney (counsel representing the city in municipal court)- n
. abogado representando la ciudad
civil action (legal action relating to money or property)- n.
juicio civil
claim (legal demand, complaint)- n
. demanda
clerk (court official, judge’s administrative assistant)- n.
secretario del tribunal, oficial del juzgado
cocaine (stimulant narcotic)- n.
cocaína
collateral (property pledged to secure a debt,
e.g. bail)- n.
resguardo, seguridad colateral
commissioner (public official with authority over court room in initial appearances before going to trial)- n.
comisario, comisionado
commit (to institutionalize, e.g. to a mental hospital)- v (to perpetuate, e.g. a crime)- v.
. internar (ej. en un hospital mental) ; cometer (ej. un crimen)
commitment (incarceration)- n.
encarceración
community property (public property)- n.
propiedad de la comunidad
competency (legal capacity to stand trial)- n.
aptitud, capacidad
complaint (written statement initiating a criminal or civil action)- n
. demanda, escrito de agravios
comply (to act as directed or ordered)- v.
cumplir, obedecer
composite drawing (drawing of a suspect made by a police artist, based on the description from a witness)-
n. dibujo hablado
confession (admission of guilt)- n.
confesión
confiscate (governmental seizure of property)-
v.
confiscar
conflict of interest (reason a party to the case might be too personally involved to provide objective services)- n
. conflicto de interés
consideration (benefit to promisor or detriment to promise)- n.
consideración
conspiracy (an unlawful plot, a plan to do something illegal)- n.
conspiración
constitutional right (a freedom guaranteed by the Constitution)- n.
derecho constitucional
contempt of court (acting against the rules of the court)- n.
desacato al tribunal, rebeldía
continuance (rescheduling a legal proceeding for a later date)- n.
aplazamiento, continuación
controlled substance (government-regulated substance)- n.
substancia controlada
convict (an individual who has been found guilty and incarcerated)- n.convicto ; (to find a defendant guilty of a crime)- v.
condenar
conviction (finding of guilt in a criminal case)- n.
convicción, fallo de culpabilidad
coroner (public officer who determines the cause of death)- n.
médico forense
corroborate (to verify)- v.
corroborar, verificar
counsel (lawyer, legal representation)- n.
; (to advise)- v
Abogado,. aconsejar
counsel table (table where the legal counsel sits)- n.
mesa del consejero
count (a numbered charge)- n.
cargo
counterclaim (lawsuit by respondent in response to initial lawsuit in a civil case)- n.
contrademanda
counterfeit (to falsify)- v
. falsificación
counterfeiting (falsifying)- n.
falsificando
county jail (temporary place of incarceration until suspect released, put into prison, etc.)- n.
cárcel del condado
court (place where trials and legal proceedings occur)- n.
tribunal, corte
court house (building where trials and legal proceedings occur)- n.
edificio de los tribunales
court interpreter (bilingual trained person who translates proceedings between languages for all parties in the case)- n.
intérprete de los tribunales
court order (order issued by the court [judge, etc.] for, or prohibiting, an action)- n.
orden de los tribunales
court reporter (court official who types all words of proceeding into a permanent record)- n
. relator del tribunal
Court, District (court representing a certain area of a state or country)- n.
tribunal del distrito
Court, Federal District (national court with authority over a specified region)- n.
Tribunal, Juzgado del Distrito Federal
Court, Juvenile (court for children)- n.
Tribunal de Menores
Court, Municipal (city court)- n.
Tribunal Municipal
Court, Night (court taking place at night)- n.
Tribunal Nocturno
Court, Superior (higher court)- n.
Tribunal Superior
Court, Supreme (highest court)- n.
Tribunal, Corte Suprema de Justicia
Court, Traffic (court dealing with traffic violations)- n.
Tribunal de Tráfico
court-appointed counsel (attorney assigned to case by the court, esp. for indigent defendant)- n court room (room where trials and legal proceedings occur)- n.
. asesor legal designado por los tribunales sala del tribunal
covenant (sealed contract)- n.
pacto, convenio
crack (crack cocaine, a form of cocaine)- n.
crack
credibility (reliability, reputation for truthfulness)- n
. credibilidad
crime (unlawful offense)- n.
crimen, delito
criminal record (written record of previous offenses)- n.
antecedentes criminales
crystal meth (a narcotic)- n.
metamfetamina,
cristal, vidrio
custody (case and control of children)- n. (incarceration)- n.
custodia, patria potestad ; custodia, encarceración
damages (repayment for loss or injury)- n.
daños
death penalty (sentence of death for a criminal)- n.
sentencia de muerte
death row (incarceration for inmates awaiting the death penalty)- n.
fila de muerte
decree (order, judgment)- n (to declare)-
. decreto ; v. declarar
default judgment (judgment entered against a defendant who does not plead or defend, often by not appearing in court)- n
. fallo por falta de comparecencia
defendant (the accused in a legal proceeding, trial)- n
. acusado, demandado
defense (the defendant/accused and defense attorney)- n. (evidence offered by an accused to defeat criminal charge)- n.
defensa ; defensa
defense attorney (legal counsel for the accused)- n
.abogado defensor
deliberation (careful consideration)- n.
deliberación, consultación
deportation (expelling of a non-citizen from the country)- n
. deportación
deposition (oral statement given under oath)- n.
deposición,declaración jurada
Deputy District Attorney (Deputy D.A.) (assistant to the D.A.)- n
. Asistente al Acusador Público
detention (being retained in custody)- n.
detención
discovery (pre-trial process to obtain facts from other side)- n.
descubrimiento
dismiss (to let go)- v
. desechar, denegar
dismissal with prejudice (a dismissal after a legal decision, based on the merits of the case, barring the plaintiff from prosecuting any later lawsuit on the same claim)- n.
denegación con pérdida de derecho a nuevo juicio
dismissal without prejudice (a dismissal that does not bar the plaintiff from trying to again prosecute the same claim within a certain time period)- n.
denegación sin pérdida de derecho a nuevo juicio
disorderly conduct (acting in a way which violates public peace or safety)- n
. desorden público
disposition (final outcome of a criminal case)- n.
disposición
dissolution (termination of a marriage, partnership, etc.)- n.
disolución
District Attorney (D.A.) (state’s legal representative in legal proceedings or a trial)- n
. Acusador Público, fiscal.
disturbing the peace (acting in a way which violates public peace)- n.
perturbación al orden público
diversion (order for criminal defendant to participate in alternative program, instead of prison)- n
. programa alternativo
divorce (legal termination of a marriage)- n.
divorcio
docket (list of cases before the court)- n.
orden del día, actas.
domestic violence (violence within a family)- n.
violencia doméstica
double jeopardy (trying a person twice for the same crime)- n.
procesamiento por segunda vez
downer (depressant narcotic)- n.
barbitúricos
driving while intoxicated (DWI)- n.
Conducir
bajo la influencia del alcohol
drug (substance used in or as a medicine or to
alter the functioning of one’s body)- n
droga.
drug abuse (excessive or illegal use of a drug)- n.
abuso de drogas
drunk driving (driving while intoxicated)- n.
condujir bajo estado de ebriedad
due process (legal right of a defendant to a speedy and fair trial)- n.
debido procedimiento, proceso de ley
ecstasy (e or x; a narcotic)- n.
tachas, éxtasis
embezzlement (stealing money, property, etc.)-
n
. desfalco, malversación
enhancement (factor that increases criminal
penalty)- n.
mejorar
enter a plea (to plea)- v.
registrar una
declaración
entrapment (to capture by leading into a trap)-
n.
atrapar
equal protection (constitutional guarantee that every person will be treated equally by the government)- n.
protección de igualdad
eviction (expel from one’s residence by the owner)- n.
desalojo, evicción
evidence (a statement, object, etc. supporting a point in the case)- n.
evidencia
evidence, circumstantial (indirect evidence in a case)- n.
evidencia circumstancial
evidence, direct (evidence directly related to a case)- n.
evidencia directa
evidence, prima facie (evidence which is adequate to establish a fact, unless refuted)- n.
pruebas
examination, cross (questioning of a witness by the antagonist party)- n.
contrainterrogatorio, repregunta
examination, direct (questioning of a witness by the supporting party)- n
. interrogatorio directo
examination, re-cross (second questioning)- n.
segunda repregunta
questioning)- n.
examination, re-direct (second segundo interrogatorio directo
executed (signed and delivered)- adj.
ejecutado, llevado a cabo
exhibit (object submitted as evidence)- n.
documento de prueba, exhibir
exhibit, defense’s (object submitted by the defense as evidence)- n
. documento de prueba de la defensa
exhibit, people’s (object submitted by the prosecution as evidence)- n.
documento de prueba del acusador
extortion (getting money, etc. by threat)- n.
extorsión
extradition (transferring a suspect to another state, country, etc. for trial)- n.
extradición
eyewitness (person who saw the crime occur)- n.
testigo ocular
failure to appear (FTA) (when person who is required to appear in court does not do so)- n
. falta de comparecencia
failure to comply (when person is ordered to do something by the court, and does not)- n.
falta
fair hearing (a just hearing in which proper protocol is followed)- n.
audiencia justa
false imprisonment (finding an innocent person guilty and sentencing them to a prison sentence)- n.
encarcelación ilegal
felony (major crime)- n
. fechoría, felonía, crimen, delito
Field sobriety test (test of blood-alcohol level at the place of first contact between the law enforcement officer and the suspect)- n.
adjudicate (to judge)- v.
file (record of case)- n.
archivo ; (to enter into the case file)- v. registrar
financial responsibility (financial obligations)- n
. responsabilidad financiera
find guilty (to judge as guilty)- v.
juzgar culpable
finding (discovery)- n
. descubrimiento
find not guilty (to judge as innocent)- v.
juzgar inocente
fine (court-imposed monetary penalty)- n.
multa
fingerprint (mark left by one’s finger, used to
identify individuals)- n.
huella digital
firearm (weapon that fires a projectile, i.e- gun,
rifle, shotgun)- n.
arma de fuego
foreclosure (taking away of the right to redeem a mortgage, etc.)- n.
juicio hipotecario, ejecución de hipoteca
forfeit (a fine or penalty for some crime)- n (to give up, lose)-. die Strafe; v
. decomiso
forgery (falsification; a fake)- n
. falsificación
foster care (temporary care of a child, but not by birth)- n.
tutela de crianza temporal
fraud (intentional deception, lie)- n
. fraude
gambling (game of chance)- n
. juego
garnish (to issue process for purpose of taking away wages or money to pay a fine)- v.
embargar
glue sniffing (inhaling glue as a narcotic)- n.
inhalación de pegamento
good cause (supported reason for doing something)- n.
motivo suficiente
grand jury (jury that listens to arguments and decides innocence or guilt of defendant)- n.
gran jurado
grand theft (major theft)- n.
hurto mayor
grounds (reasons)- n.
razones
guardianship (legal protective representation of one by another, usually of a minor by an adult)- n
. pupilaje, tutela
guilty (legally judged not innocent of committing a crime)- adj.
culpable
gun (weapon which fires a projectile; a firearm)- n.
pistola
prisoner must be brought before a court to decide his or her innocence or guilt) habeas corpus (writ declaring that a- n.
habeas corpus
handcuffs (pair of connected rings used to shackle a prisoner)- n
. esposas
harassment (constant attacks or torment)- n.
acoso
hearing (formal proceeding held before judge)- n
. audiencia
hearing, contested (legal proceeding in which outcome is put into question by possible administrative misconduct)- n.
audiencia disputada
hearing, preliminary (first hearing)- n.
audiencia preliminar
hearsay (rumor, gossip, unsubstantiated story of event)- n.
de oídas
heroin (narcotic, usually injected into the body)- n
. heroina
hit and run (automobile hits a person and leaves the scene of the accident)- n./v.
chocar y huir, chocar y escapar
holding cell (room for detention of suspect while being tried)- n.
celda de detención
homicide (murder)- n
. homicidio, asesinato
illegal (not legal; unlawful)- adj.
ilegal
immigration (moving from one country to another)- n.
inmigración
immunity (exemption from a charge or penalty)- n.
inmunidad
impeachment of witness (discrediting a witness)- n
. acusación de testigo
inadmissible (not acceptable)- adj.
inadmisible, inaceptable
incest (sexual relationship within a family)- n.
incesto
incriminate (to involve in, or make appear guilty of, a crime or fault)- v
. incriminar
indecent exposure (taking off one’s clothes in a public place)- n.
exhibicionismo
indictment (formal charging with a crime)- n.
procesamiento,acusación por gran jurado
indigent (poor, without money)- adj.
indigente
informant (someone who gives information about a crime; often referring to another criminal who acts as a sort of undercover spy for law enforcement)- n.
informador, denunciante
information (formal charge)- n.
acusación por el fiscal
infraction (violation of a law, pact, agreement, etc.)- n
. infracción
injunction (court order prohibiting or ordering an action)- n.
mandamiento, juicio de amparo
inmate (prisoner)- n.
prisionero
innocent until proven guilty- adj.
inocente hasta ser encontrado culpable
instrument (legal document)- n
. documento legal
intent (state of mind when performing an act)- n.
intención
investigation (search by law enforcement to determine truth of events)- n.
investigación
jail (place where prisoner is confined)- n.
cárcel
join (concur)- v
. concurrencia
joyriding (driving around in a stolen automobile for the enjoyment of doing so)- n.
robar un vehículo para pasear
judge (public official with the authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law)-
n. juez
judgment (final decision)- n.
sentencia, fallo
jurisdiction (range of authority in administering
justice)- n.
jurisdicción
juror (member of a jury)- n
. jurado
jury (group of members from the public who are assigned the task of deciding the trial’s outcome)- n.
jurado
jury box (place in the courtroom where the jury sits)- n
. tribuna del jurado
jury foreman/jury foreperson (the chairperson of a jury)- n.
presidente del jurado
jury trial (a trial in which the final decision will be made by a jury of one’s peers)- n
. juicio por jurado
jury, hung (a jury which is unable to make a final decision in a case)- n
. jurado en desacuerdo, jurado sin veredcito
juvenile hall (place of incarceration for underage offenders)- n.
cárcel de menores
kidnap (to seize and hold a person by force or fraud)- v.
secuestrar
kidnapping (seizing and holding a person by force or fraud)- n
. secuestro
larceny (theft)- n.
hurto, robo
lawsuit (legal action between two parties in a civil court, having to do with money or property)- n.
litigio, pleito
leading question (a question which leads to a point being proven)- n.
pregunta sugestiva
lease (contract by which a landlord rents land, property, etc. to a tenant for a specified time)- n
. alquiler
lewd conduct (indecent or obscene actions)- n
. comportamiento
liability (something that works to one’s disadvantage)- n.
responsabilidad
libel (any written or printed matter to injure a person’s reputation)- n.
difamación escrita
lie detector (machine which measures heart rate to determine if a person is lying)- n.
detector de mentiras
life imprisonment (punishment of spending one’s life in prison)- n.
cadena perpetua
line-up (a line of a few people for a witness to look at and identify a suspect in a crime)- n.
línea de sospechosos
litigation (lawsuit)- n
. litigio
loitering (lingering, spending time idly in one
area)- n.
merodear, holgazanear, vagar
lynching (murder by mob action, without lawful
trial)- n.
linchamiento
malice (purposely committing a crime with the
intention of harming another person)- n.
malicia
malicious mischief (harm or damage caused with intention of hurting another person)- n.
agravio malicioso
malpractice (professional misconduct or improper conduct, esp. by a physician)- n.
conducta ilegal
manslaughter (killing of a human being by another, esp. without malice)- n.
homicio sin premeditación
manslaughter, involuntary (accidental killing of a person)- n
. homicidio accidental
manslaughter, voluntary (knowingly killing a person, but without malice)- n
. homicidio voluntario
marijuana (narcotic)- n.
marihuana
mayhem (the offense of maiming a person; any
violent destruction)- n.
mutilación criminal
mental health (health of the mind)- n
. salud
mental
Miranda Warning (the rights read to the accused at the time of arrest)- n.
Derechos Constitucionales
misdemeanor (any minor offense with a lesser punishment than a felony)- n
. delito menor
mistrial (a trial made void because of a mistake made or inconclusive outcome)- n.
juicio nulo
modification (alteration; change)- n.
modificación
motion (a petition for a ruling, formal request)- n.
moción, petición
motion denied (content of petition not allowed by judge)-
petición negada
motion granted (content of petition agreed to by judge)-
petición accedida
mug shot (identifying photo of a suspect used by law enforcement)- n.
fotografía de reo
murder (unlawful and malicious killing of another person, with intent to do so)- n.
asesinato, homicidio
narcotic (illegal or controlled drug)- n.
narcótico
negligence (carelessness)- n
. negligencia
not guilty (innocent)- adj.
inocente
null and void (invalid, without legal force)- adj.
nulo, nulo y sin valor
oath (sworn statement)- n
. juramento
object (to express disapproval or opposition)- v.
objetar, impugnar
objection (the expressing of disapproval or
opposition)- n.
objeción
objection overruled (objection rejected)-
objeción negada, sin lugar
objection sustained (objection agreed to)-
objeción acogida, con lugar
offender (person who committed a crime)- n.
ofensor, delincuente
offense (violation of law)- n.
ofensa, delito
offer of proof (presentation of evidence for the record, but without a jury present, after the judge has sustained an objection to that evidence, so that the evidence can be preserved on the record for an appeal of the case)- n.
oferta de prueba
oral copulation, forced (forced, oral, sexual contact)- n.
copulación oral forzada
ordinance (statute or regulation)- n.
ordenanza, estatuto
overrule (to overturn, esp. an objection)- n.
denegar
overt act (an action taken openly and with evident intent)- n
. acto
pandering (helping one fulfill his or her vices; procuring, pimping)- n.
lenocidio
paralegal (person trained to aid lawyers but not to practice law)- n
auxillar de abogado, ayudante de abogado,
parole (release of a prisoner before his or her sentence is complete, on the promise of future good behavior)- n.
libertad condicional
party (plaintiff [People, State, etc.], prosecution or defense)- n.
parte
paternity (fatherhood)- n.
paternidad
penalty (punishment)- n.
castigo, multa
penalty assessment (indication of the liability of the losing party in a civil case)- n.
asesoría de multa
pending (not yet decided)- adj.
pendiente
penitentiary (prison)- n.
penitenciaría, prisión
People (prosecution)- n.
fiscalía, parte acusadora, el estado
perjury (lying while under oath to tell the truth)- n.
perjurio, falso testamento
permanent resident (person living long term in a country)- n.
residente permanente
personal estate (the whole of one’s property, possessions)- n.
bienes muebles
personal recognizance (one’s own care and responsibility)- n.
Libertad bajo palabra
petition (formal request for an order)- n. petición; (to formally ask, request)- v.
suplicar, pedir
petty theft (small scale theft)- n.
robo menor
pimping (acting as agent for prostitutes)- n.
alcahuetamiento
plaintiff (the complainant in a civil case)- n.
demandante
plea (defendant’s “guilty,” “not guilty” or other answer to a criminal charge)- n.
declaración
plea bargain (agreement between the prosecution and defense to lower the punishment in exchange for something else, usually for a guilty plea)- n.
negociación de una declaración de culpable
pleadings (documents filed in a case)- n.
alegaciones
points and authorities (legal precedence)- n.
proposiciones
polygraph (lie detector test)- n.
polígrafo
possession of drugs- n.
poseción de drogas
postponement (pushing back the date)- n.
aplazamiento
pot (slang for marijuana; a narcotic)- n.
marihuana
power of attorney (legal authority to act as one’s representative and speak for him or her)- n.
poder, carta de personería
preemptory challenge (one of a party’s limited number of challenges that does not need a reason)- n.
Recusación sin expresión de causa
pre-sentence report (report written to argue for what kind of punishment is appropriate for a guilty party)- n.
informe precondenatorio
prejudice (bias or preconceived opinion)- n.
prejuicio
preponderance of the evidence (enough proof to convince the trier of fact that something is slightly more likely than not to have occurred )- n.
preponderancia de prueba
presumption of innocence (defendant is believed to be innocent, unless proven guilty)- n
. presunción de inculpabilidad
pretrial conference (meeting before the trial to try and resolve the case, agree on evidence, etc.)- n
. conferencia del juez con las partes antes de iniciar el pleito
pretrial offense (offense committed before the trial begins)- n.
ofensa cometida antes de emplezar el juicio
priors (previous offenses committed by the defendant)- n
. precedentes
prison (place of long term incarceration, where convicts fulfill their sentences)- n.
prisión
privilege (a special right, favor, etc. granted to a person or group)- n.
privilegio
probable cause (a reasonable explanation for why something occurred)- n.
causa razonable
probate (having to do with the verification of official documents, i.e.- wills)- n.
validificación de un documento
probation (suspension of defendant’s sentence under supervision of probation officer)- n.
libertad condicional
probation department (office which handles cases of probation)- n.
departamento de libertad condicional
probation officer (official who supervises convicts who are released on probation)- n.
agente de libertad condicional
probation, formal (conditional suspension of a convicts prison sentence)- n.
libertad condicional formal
probation, summary (suspension of a guilty party’s prison sentence so that, if he or she obeys the conditions, he or she will spend no time in prison)- n.
Resumen de Libertad Condicional
proof (evidence convincing to the judge or jury)- n.
prueba
prosecution (the state’s representative in a court room, seeks to convict the defendant)- n.
procesamiento, enjuiciamiento
prosecutor (the attorney representing the state)- n
. fiscal, acusador público
prostitution (selling one’s body for sex)- n.
prostitución
Public Defender (P.D.) (state-funded counsel assigned to an indigent defendant)- n.
defensor público
quash (to set aside, i.e.- an indictment)- v.
anular, invalidar
raise an issue (to bring an issue up for discussion)-
levantar una controversia
rap sheet (file/list of previous offenses)- n.
lista de ofensas anteriores
rape (forced sexual intercourse without consent)- n.
violación
rape, statutory (sexual intercourse with a minor)- n
. estupro
rape in concert (unlawful sexual intercourse against the victims will and by force, while another crime is being committed)- n.
Violación en concierto de otro delito
reasonable doubt, beyond a (absolutely certain)-
fuera de duda razonable
rebuttal (contradicting or opposing in a formal manner by argument or proof)- n
. refutación
reckless driving (driving wildly, without control)- n.
manejar imprudentemente
regulation (rule; law)- n.
regla, ley
release of information (making information available to the public)-
revelación de información
relinquishment (giving up, e.g. giving up a right)- n
. renunciamiento
remand (to send a person back into custody)- v.
; (to send a case back to a lower court or administrative hearing office)- v. reencarcelar
remedy (legal compensation for a wrong)- n.
remedio
report (to state, to inform)- v. (a formal account of facts or information)- n
reportar ;. reporte
respondent (defendant in a civil case)- n.
demandado
restitution (reimbursement; giving back of something for something else that has been lost or taken)- n.
restitución
restraining order (legal document requiring someone to stay away from another person or place)- n.
inhibitoria, orden de entredicho
revoke (to rescind, withdraw, cancel, turn down)- v.
revocar
right, constitutional (right which is guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution)- n.
derecho constitucional
robbery (theft)- n
. robo
rule (to decide, to judge)- n
. fallo
search and seizure (investigating a place and removing something from the premises for evidence)- n.
allanamiento
self defense (protecting oneself from harm)- n.
defensa propia
self-incrimination (saying something which helps prove one’s own guilt)- n.
autoincriminación
sentence (punishment assigned by the court)- n. (to assign a punishment)-
sentencia ;v.sentenciar
sentence, concurrent (two or more punishments of prison time to be served at the same time)- n.
sentencia concurrente
sentence, consecutive (back to back sentences; one punishment immediately after another)- n.
sentencia consecutiva
sentence, suspended (punishment which is held back, not put into effect)- n.
sentencia suspendida
sentencing (assigning a punishment to a convict)- n.
sentenciamiento
separation (separation of a married couple, but not yet divorce)- n
. separación
serve a sentence (to complete one’s punishment)-
servir una sentencia
serve a summons to somebody (give an official order to respondent to appear in court)-
notificar una citación
settlement (negotiated solution to a lawsuit)- n.
arreglo
sexual molestation (making improper and unwanted sexual advances or attacks)- n.
molestación sexual
sheriff (chief law enforcement officer of a county)- n.
funcionario jefe de un condado
shoplifting (stealing articles, not money, from a shop during shop hours)- n.
robo de tiendas
slander (giving a false statement that damages another’s reputation)- n.
calumnia
sodomy (any sexual intercourse considered abnormal; usually in reference to anal sexual intercourse)- n.
sodomía
statement, closing (final argument summarizing the case, made by the attorney)- n.
declaración final
statement, opening (initial argument summarizing the case, made by the attorney)- n.
declaración inicial
statute (an established law or rule)- n.
estatuto
statute of limitations (a law limiting the time within which legal action may be taken)- n.
estatuto de limitaciones
statutory rape (sexual intercourse, even if consensual, with a minor)- n.
estupro
stay (a delay or cessation)- n.
suspención
stipulate (to specify as an essential condition of
an agreement)- v.
estipular
stipulation (an essential condition of an
agreement)- n.
estipulación
submit (to present, e.g. to present evidence to
the court)- v.
presentar
subpoena (written legal order directing a person to appear in court to testify, etc.)- n.
orden de aparición
sue (to prosecute in civil court in seeking to redress wrongs)- v.
demanda
suit (action to secure justice in a court of law)- n.
acción judicial
sustain (to maintain, agree to, e.g. to agree to and enforce an objection made by an attorney)- v
. mantener
swear (to declare under oath)- v
. jurar
testify (to give evidence under oath in a court of
law)- v.
testificar
testimony (the evidence given under oath in a
court of law)- n.
testimonio
theft (stealing, robbery)- n
. robo
theft, grand (major robbery)- n.
robo mayor
theft, petty (minor robbery)- n
. robo menor
time served (the amount of time already spent in incarceration)- n
. tiempo servido
tort (wrongful act or damage [not involving a breach of contract] for which a civil action can be brought)- n.
agravio
traffic citation (ticket issued by law enforcement officer for a driving violation)- n.
multa de tráfico
transcript (written record)- n.
traslado, copia
trespassing (unlawful entry onto someone’s
property)- n.
traspaso
trial (formal examination to decide a case by a
court of law)- n.
juicio
trial, court/bench (trial in which outcome is decided by a judge)- n.
tribunal de primera instancia
trial, jury (trial in which outcome is decided by a jury)- n.
juicio por jurado
trial, speedy (trial which begins shortly after arrest and does not last an unacceptably long time)- n.
juicio rápido
unconstitutional (illegal, goes against the rights guaranteed by the Constitution)- adj.
inconstitucional
undercover (acting in secret, e.g. an undercover police officer)- adj.
bajo cubierta
unemployment (being without a job)- n.
desempleo
unlawful detainer (illegally holding a person in custody)- n.
detención ilegal
upper (stimulant narcotic)- n.
aceleradores
vacate (to cancel)- v.
cancelar
vagrancy (begging; wandering from place to place without working)- n.
vagancia
vandalism (to maliciously destroy or damage property)- n.
vandalismo
venue (place in which something occurs)- n.
jurisdicción
verdict (final judgment)- n.
veredicto
victim (one who suffers loss, is killed or injured,
etc.)- n.
víctima
violation (infringement, breaking, e.g. of a law)-
n.
violación, infracción
visitation (an official visit, e.g. to a convict in prison, or to inspect something)- n.
inspección, visitación
voir dire (oath of competency)- n.
interrogatorio para determinar la competencia
waive rights (to choose to give up one’s constitutional rights)-
renunciar a los derechos
waive time (to cut time off of a prison sentence)-
renunciar al plazo
waiver of rights (official giving up of one’s constitutional rights)- n
. renuncia de derechos
warrant (order, permit, writ)- n.
orden, decreto de prisión, garantía
warrant, arrest (order issued by the court for law enforcement officials to arrest a suspect)- n.
orden de arresto, auto de detención
warrant, bench (a writ authorized by judge for a search, seizure, arrest, etc.)- n.
orden de arresto por falta de comparecen
warrant, search (permission given to law enforcement by the court to search a suspect’s house, etc. for evidence)- n.
orden de cateo/de registro
weapon (item used to attack another)- n.
arma
weapon, concealed (weapon hidden somewhere
on the suspect)- n.
arma escondida
weapon, deadly (weapon which has the potential to take a life)- n.
arma con potencial de matar
weight of evidence (how thoroughly the evidence convinces)- n
. preponderancia de la prueba
will (last will and testament: one’s written decree of what will happen to all of his or her possessions upon death)- n.
testamento
witness (someone who sees a crime occur, or is otherwise an expert in some aspect of the case and asked to testify in court)- n
. testigo
witness, defense (a witness who appears to support the defense’s argument)- n.
testigo de la defensa
witness, expert (a knowledgeable witness who argues technical or other points)- n.
testigo experto
witness, hostile (a witness for the opposing side)- n.
testigo hostil
witness, material (an important or essential witness in a case)- n.
testigo material
witness, prosecution (a witness who appears to support the prosecution’s argument)- n.
testigo de cargo
witness stand (the place in the court room for the witness to sit when being questioned)- n.
silla de los testigos
work furlough (leave of absence from one’s job, esp. for military reasons or jury duty)- n.
permiso de trabajo
work release (convict’s release from prison during the day to work at a job outside the prison)- n.
permiso para salirr a trabajar
writ (a formal legal document prohibiting or ordering some action)- n.
decreto, orden
