Law and Justice - Spanish Vocabulary
Learn Spanish vocabulary related to law and justice. Explore terms used in the legal system, courts, crimes, and more.
(servicio de) seguridad
(service) security
(Servicio de) seguridad refers to the provision of services designed to protect individuals, businesses or organizations from various risks. This can entail any number of measures, including but not limited to physical security, IT security, event security, and private investigations. In other words, this term is commonly used in the context of providing safeguards against potential threats or harm.
abogado
lawyer
'Abogado' refers to a person who practices or studies law, typically a lawyer or a legal scholar. The term generally refers to a male lawyer.
Example sentences with abogado →abogado criminalista
criminal lawyer
The Spanish term 'abogado criminalista' translates to 'criminal lawyer' in English. A criminal lawyer, also known as a criminal defense lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals and companies that have been charged with a crime. They handle a diverse spectrum of criminal cases, ranging from domestic violence crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes, to driving under the influence (DUI), theft, embezzlement, and fraud. This profession requires substantial expertise in the law and the ability to navigate the complex legal system.
Example sentences with abogado criminalista →abogado defensor
defence counsel
The Spanish term 'abogado defensor' refers to a legal representative who is specifically tasked to defend or represent a person or party in legal proceedings. This role is commonly known as 'defence counsel' in English. A 'defence counsel' tends to the interests of the accused party in a criminal or civil case, ensuring their rights are upheld in the court of law. This includes presenting evidence in their favor, making legal arguments to challenge the prosecution's claims, and negotiating on their behalf.
Example sentences with abogado defensor →abogado laboralista
labour attorney
The Spanish term 'abogado laboralista' refers to a profession in the legal field. This direct translation in English is 'labour attorney'. These professionals specialize in labour laws and regulations, primarily handling matters related to employee rights and focusing on issues of disputes between employers and employees. They may represent clients in court on cases involving workplace accidents, unfair terminations, or harassment issues among others. Moreover, they provide consultation and advise to individuals about their legal rights in the workplace.
Example sentences with abogado laboralista →actuar al margen de la ley
act outside the law
The Spanish phrase 'actuar al margen de la ley' translates to 'act outside the law' in English. This literarily means to engage in actions that are illegal or not recognized by legal authority or framework, basically doing things that are against the law. It can refer to a broad range of illegal activities, regardless of the intention or the context in which the actions are performed. It is a figure of speech often used in legal and justice system contexts.
Example sentences with actuar al margen de la ley →actuar con arreglo a la legalidad
act in accordance with the law
The Spanish phrase 'actuar con arreglo a la legalidad' translates to 'act in accordance with the law' in English. This phrase is used in a legal or formal context when one is expected to follow the rules or guidelines set by the law or an organization. It implies a sense of responsibility and conformity to established standards or principles. The phrase can be used in various sentences or conversations that discuss legality, enforcement of rules, or ethical conduct.
Example sentences with actuar con arreglo a la legalidad →acusado
defendant
The Spanish word 'acusado' translates to 'defendant' in English. This word is often used in the context of legal and court matters, referring to an individual who has been accused of a crime and is facing trial. In civil cases, the defendant is the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit. Understanding the usage and meaning of 'acusado' can be helpful in comprehending conversations or texts relating to judicial proceedings.
Example sentences with acusado →agente (de policía)
(police) agent
'Agente (de policía)' is a Spanish noun that translates to '(police) agent' in English. It is commonly used in situations involving law enforcement or crime prevention activities. For example, when referring to a police officer in Spanish, you can say 'agente de policía'. Just as in English, this term can be used regardless of the officer's gender. The plural form of 'agente' is 'agentes', which can be used when referring to multiple police agents.
aprobar una ley
passed a law
The Spanish term 'aprobar una ley' equates to 'passed a law' in English. This action-oriented phrase pertains to the legislative process where a proposed measure or 'bill' is reviewed and eventually accepted or 'passed' into law by a legislative body such as a parliament or congress. The phrase can be used in various contexts that pertain to legal and regulatory discussions, political discourses, societal debates, history, and other sectors where laws are deliberated upon and enacted.
Example sentences with aprobar una ley →arresto
arrest
The Spanish word 'arresto' translates to 'arrest' in English. It is often used in a legal or law enforcement context to signify the act of apprehending a person to answer for an offense or crime they have committed. It can also be used in a broader sense to denote any act of stopping or hindering progress.
asesinar a alguien
murder someone
The Spanish phrase 'asesinar a alguien' translates to 'murder someone' in English. It is generally used in legal, crime-related, and dramatic contexts to refer to the act of unlawfully killing another person intentionally and with premeditation. It's a strong and serious term showing extreme action and it's highly advisable to be cautious when using it.
Example sentences with asesinar a alguien →asesinato
Murder
The Spanish word 'asesinato' translates to 'murder' in English. It is a noun used to refer to the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. This term is typically used in legal and news contexts. It's important to note that 'asesinato' carries the same heavy connotations as its English counterpart, 'murder', and should be used with caution.
asesino
Killer
The term 'asesino' is a Spanish noun which translates to 'killer' in English. This term is generally used for a person who has intentionally caused the death of another person. It is a strong word and is often used in legal contexts or in dramatic or filmic narratives. It should be used carefully due to its serious implications. This word forms part of darker thematic discussions, and is highly context-dependent.
ataque
attack
The Spanish term for 'attack' is 'ataque'. This word can be used in various contexts such as a physical or verbal action against someone or something, a sudden illness like a heart 'ataque', in sport events to refer an offensive action or in computer systems to refer to malicious activities. Just like in English, 'ataque' carries a similar usage and connotation in the Spanish language.
Example sentences with ataque →atenerse a la ley
abide by the law
The Spanish phrase 'atenerse a la ley' translates to 'abide by the law' in English. It's a phrase used to indicate the action of following or adhering to the laws, rules, or standards set by an authority. Just as in English, this phrase can be used in various contexts in Spanish where lawfulness, obedience, or adherence to regulations is a requirement or expectation.
Example sentences with atenerse a la ley →atentado terrorista
terrorist attack
The Spanish term 'atentado terrorista' translates in English to 'terrorist attack'. This phrase consists of two words. 'Atentado', in a general sense, means an attempt or strike, and is often used to refer to an aggressive act or offense. On the other hand, 'terrorista' directly translates to 'terrorist', referring to a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. Therefore, 'atentado terrorista' typically signifies an act of violence perpetrated by an individual or group with the intent to cause fear or harm for political, religious, or ideological purposes.
Example sentences with atentado terrorista →atentar contra alguien
attacking someone
The Spanish phrase 'atentar contra alguien' translates to 'attacking someone' in English. Essentially used in contexts implying harm, threat or violent action directed at a person, it can refer to physical attacks, verbal assault, or symbolic actions detrimental to the person involved. Keep in mind that in Spanish language nuances, severity, and specific translation of 'attack' may change depending on the cultural, legal, or situational context.
Example sentences with atentar contra alguien →atraco
Attract
The word 'atraco' does not mean 'attract' in English. It is a Spanish noun that translates to 'robbery' or 'hold-up' in English. It's often used to describe a situation when someone is stolen from or forcefully separated from their possessions, particularly in a manner involving violence or threats, akin to a stick-up or hold-up in English parlance.
banda armada
Armed gang
The Spanish term 'banda armada' translates to 'armed gang' in English. This phrase is typically used to refer to an organized group of people armed with weapons. Such groups are commonly involved in criminal activities. These gangs often use their weapons to exert power, intimidate or commit illegal actions. As such, the term carries a negative connotation and describes a dangerous element of society.
Example sentences with banda armada →banda de delincuentes
gang of criminals
The Spanish phrase 'banda de delincuentes' translates to 'gang of criminals' in English. It is often used in legal or news contexts to refer to organized groups that commit criminal activities. The phrase is made up of three parts. First, 'banda', which translates to 'band' or 'gang'. Second, 'de', a preposition that shows possession or origin and translates to 'of' in English. The last part is 'delincuentes' which translates to 'criminals'. Hence, 'banda de delincuentes' stands for a group of people combined for nefarious purposes.
banda organizada
organized gang
The Spanish term 'banda organizada' translates to 'organized gang' in English. It refers to a structured group of individuals who engage in illegal activities. These activities could include activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, etc. The term is often used in legal contexts or news reporting to denote such criminal organizations.
Example sentences with banda organizada →banda terrorista
terrorist gang
The Spanish term 'banda terrorista' translates to 'terrorist gang' in English. It is used to refer to a group of individuals involved in activities that spread terror and fear, such as bombings, kidnappings, and other violent actions, typically for political purposes.
Example sentences with banda terrorista →burlar la ley
to infringe the law
The Spanish phrase 'burlar la ley' translates to 'infringe the law' in English. This typically means to knowingly break, or infringe upon, a legal statute or regulation. The phrase implies a deliberate action, suggesting it is not an accidental breach, but instead an act that is conscious and intended to deceive or cheat the legal system. The term does not always imply a major crime, it can also refer to minor offenses or non-compliance with rules or standards. Still, it carries a negative connotation, as it opposes the principle of maintaining law and order in a society.
Example sentences with burlar la ley →calumnia
slander
The word 'calumnia' in Spanish translates to 'slander' in English. It is a noun that refers to the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. It is used in legal circumstances and in everyday language. It comes from Latin 'calumnia' which means 'false accusation', 'false claim', or 'trickery'.
Example sentences with calumnia →cámara de control
Control camera
The Spanish phrase 'cámara de control' translates to 'control camera' in English. It is a term often used in security and surveillance contexts, referring to a type of camera that is used to monitor and control a particular area or space. It can be manually adjusted or controlled according to the needs of the user. Examples of where control cameras may be used include traffic control, crime prevention, and in industrial processes.
cámara de seguridad
Security camera
The Spanish phrase 'cámara de seguridad' translates to 'security camera' in English. This is a device that records videos to detect, observe and record incidents for the security and safety. They are often part of a wider security system, used in numerous areas such as shops, streets, and houses to monitor activities and prevent crime.
cámara de vigilancia
surveillance camera
The Spanish term 'cámara de vigilancia' translates to 'surveillance camera' in English. It refers to a device that captures images and video, often used in monitoring and security systems. Security companies, businesses, and residences commonly use surveillance cameras to monitor activities and ensure safety. It's a tool often seen in places like schools, banks, offices, or streets to deter criminal activity and ensure public security.
capturar a un delincuente
capture a criminal
The Spanish phrase 'capturar a un delincuente' translates to 'capture a criminal' in English. This phrase is typically used in police or law enforcement contexts and refers to the action of apprehending or taking a criminal into custody. Note that 'capturar' is the verb in the sentence and means 'to capture', 'a' is a preposition meaning 'to', and 'un delincuente' can be translated as 'a criminal'. Taken together, the phrase implies the responsibility and action taken by authorities in the face of crime.
capturar a un sospechoso
capture a suspect
The Spanish phrase 'capturar a un sospechoso' translates to 'capture a suspect' in English. It is often used in law enforcement contexts to describe the act of apprehending a person who is suspected of committing a crime. The verb 'capturar' suggests the physical act of taking into custody while 'un sospechoso' refers to a person who is under suspicion.