Law and Justice - Spanish Vocabulary
Learn Spanish vocabulary related to law and justice. Explore terms used in the legal system, courts, crimes, and more.
cláusula del contrato
contract clause
The term 'cláusula del contrato' in Spanish translates to 'contract clause' in English. This is a specific provision or section within a written contract. Each clause in the contract outlines a certain aspect of the agreement between the two parties. These clauses often involve conditions for the agreement, terms of payment, stipulations on the duration of the contract, etc. Understanding each clause properly is crucial, as they carry legal obligations and the potential for penalties if breached.
coartada
alibi
The Spanish word 'coartada' translates to 'alibi' in English. In a legal context, an alibi is a form of evidence that a person accused of a crime can use to show that they were in a different location at the time the crime occurred. In a broader context, the term can also be used to refer to an excuse or reason given to avoid blame or responsibility.
código civil
Civil code
The term 'código civil' in Spanish translates to 'civil code' in English. A civil code is a systematic collection of laws designed to comprehensively deal with the core areas of private law. This concept is used in jurisdictions following the tradition of the Roman law, like Spain itself. It's a crucial element of the legal system in many countries, regulating matters such as property, contracts, obligations, family law and successions.
Example sentences with código civil →código de circulación
highway code
The Spanish term 'código de circulación' translates to 'highway code' in English. This term is often used in reference to the rules and regulations established by traffic authorities that dictate how vehicles must operate on roads and highways. These rules may cover various aspects such as speed limits, the rights and duties of drivers, guidelines on overtaking and passing other vehicles, the use of lanes, and how to interpret traffic symbols, signs, and markings. In essence, the 'código de circulación' helps ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow.
Example sentences with código de circulación →código penal
Criminal code
The term 'código penal' in Spanish translates to 'criminal code' in English. A 'criminal code' is a legal document that compiles all, or a significant amount of, a particular jurisdiction's criminal law. It typically covers elements of offenses, criminal penalties, and defenses to penalties. The 'código penal' is an integral part of the legal system, reflecting society's norms, values and rules.
Example sentences with código penal →cometer un delito de agresión
commit an offence of aggression
The Spanish phrase 'cometer un delito de agresión' translates to 'commit an offence of aggression' in English. It is often used in legal contexts to refer to the act of intentionally harming or attacking someone, resulting in a criminal violation. The phrase emphasizes the serious nature of the action being committed, suggesting the levying of charges or penalties by a governing body or law enforcement institution as a result. In more general usage, it can be used as a strong reproof or criticism for any act of harm or violence.
Example sentences with cometer un delito de agresión →cometer un delito de malos tratos
commit an offence of ill-treatment
The Spanish phrase 'cometer un delito de malos tratos' translates to 'commit an offense of ill-treatment' in English. This is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the act of physically or psychologically harming another individual, which is considered a crime under law. This phrase emphasizes the serious implications of harmful actions towards others in a society that values respect and dignity for each person.
Example sentences with cometer un delito de malos tratos →cometer un delito de tráfico de drogas
commit an offence of drug trafficking
The Spanish phrase 'cometer un delito de tráfico de drogas' translates to 'commit an offence of drug trafficking' in English. Essentially, it refers to the criminal act of producing, transporting and/or dealing drugs illegally. Such an offence is generally considered serious, often leading to hefty penalties in many jurisdictions globally. Note that this phrase might commonly be encountered in legal contexts, such as law enforcement, judiciary, or news reports.
Example sentences with cometer un delito de tráfico de drogas →comisaría (de policía)
police station
The Spanish word 'comisaría (de policía)' translates to 'police station' in English. It refers to a place where police officers work. This can be considered as the local headquarters or a branch of the law enforcement or police department. The people who work there are involved in maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes and safeguarding citizens. The term can be found used in different contexts and sentences.
comisario
Commissioner
The word 'comisario' in Spanish translates to 'commissioner' in English. A comisario or commissioner is an official in charge of a department or district, or a member of a commission, whether it's in the field of police, sports, or other areas of work. They are given a certain degree of power or authority, which they use to oversee a certain area of responsibility. This term is used in various sectors and it's considered a high-ranking title in many organizations.
comparecer en un juicio
appearing in a trial
The Spanish phrase 'comparecer en un juicio' translates to 'appearing in a trial' in English. This phrase is typically used within legal contexts and refers to the act of being present or attending court for a legal proceeding. It includes not only the individual on trial, but also witnesses, lawyers, and other relevant parties. The phrase can have various connotations based on the specific context, ranging from mandatory court appearances ordered by a judge, to voluntary attendance for offering support or witnessing the proceedings.
Example sentences with comparecer en un juicio →comportamiento discriminatorio
discriminatory behaviour
The Spanish phrase 'comportamiento discriminatorio' translates to 'discriminatory behaviour' in English. It involves treating or considering a person or group of people differently based on certain characteristics or conditions, such as race, sex, religion, age, or any other attribute. This form of behavior is deemed unjust and unethical in most societies worldwide, as it goes against the principles of fairness and equality.
Example sentences with comportamiento discriminatorio →condena
conviction
The Spanish term 'condena' translates to 'conviction' in English. It denotes a legal term for the verdict that comes from a judge or jury in a courtroom setting, concluding that the defendant is guilty of a crime. The same word, 'condena', could also imply a very strong disapproval or disagreement. Contextual usage of the word can influence its interpretation substantially.
Example sentences with condena →condenar a [cardinal] años de cárcel
condemn [cardinal] years of imprisonment
The Spanish phrase 'condenar a [cardinal] años de cárcel' translates to 'condemn [cardinal] years of imprisonment' in English. This phrase is used in the judicial system, often in the sentencing phase of a trial. In Spanish, 'condenar' is the act of sentencing or condemning someone, '[cardinal]' is a placeholder for the numerical value of years, 'años' means years and 'de cárcel' refers to of prison or imprisonment. Therefore, the phrase refers to the legal act of sentencing a person to a specific number of years in prison.
Example sentences with condenar a [cardinal] años de cárcel →condenar a pena de muerte
sentence to death penalty
The Spanish phrase 'condenar a pena de muerte', when translated to English, means 'sentence to death penalty'. It is often used in legal contexts, referring to the actual process of sentencing someone to death as a form of maximum punishment allowed in a judicial system for serious crimes. Please note that this phrase may bear heavy implications and is not commonly used in casual, everyday conversations.
Example sentences with condenar a pena de muerte →confesar
confess
The Spanish word 'confesar' translates to 'confess' in English. It is a verb used in situations where one needs to admit something that they have done or feel, often something wrong or embarrassing that they have been hiding. It is frequently used in legal and religious contexts, but is also common in everyday conversation. The conjugation of 'confesar' changes according to the subject and tense like many other regular Spanish verbs.
constitución
constitution
The Spanish word 'constitución' translates to 'constitution' in English. A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents that determine the governance of a state, organization, or any such institution. In essence, it is a set of laws that outlines the system of government and defines the rights and duties of the citizens. It is considered supreme and all other laws are measured against the constitution's standards, making it a vital part of any democratic society.
Example sentences with constitución →contrabandista
smuggler
The Spanish word 'contrabandista' translates to 'smuggler' in English. A contrabandista, or smuggler, is an individual subverting rules and regulations by illegally transferring goods or people across borders. This term typically refers to a person engaging in unethical and illicit activities, such as smuggling drugs, wildlife, or immigrants. In essence, 'contrabandista' captures the notion of someone who moves items or individuals clandestinely to avoid legal restrictions or tariffs.
Example sentences with contrabandista →control policial
police control
The Spanish term 'control policial' translates to 'police control' in English. This generally refers to the enforcement of law and order by police forces. It could denote a situation where a police force is monitoring a specific area or event to ensure safety and prevent potential disturbances or illegal activities. This includes activities such as traffic checkpoints, crowd control during events, or general surveillance in certain localities.
control rutinario
routine control
The Spanish term 'control rutinario' translates to 'routine control' in English. The term refers to regular checks carried out as a standard procedure, often used in various fields such as management, health, safety, and quality control. So in any context where you are describing a regular, systematic check of something, 'control rutinario' is the phrase you would use in Spanish.
culpable
guilty
'Culpable' is a Spanish adjective commonly used in both legal and casual contexts. Translating directly to 'guilty' in English. It can be employed to denote responsibility for a wrongdoing or transgression. It's important to note the use of 'culpable' might vary slightly depending on social and regional differences in Spanish speaking countries. Despite the potential nuances, the essential connotation of blame remains consistent across these variations.
Example sentences with culpable →cumplir una pena
serving a sentence
The Spanish phrase 'cumplir una pena' translates to 'serving a sentence' in English. This can refer to the enforcement of a punishment usually given by the legal authorities, specifically spending a set amount of time in prison. The term 'cumplir' means 'to fulfill' or 'to carry out', and 'una pena' translates to 'a sentence' or 'a penalty'. Therefore, it conveys the act of enduring or carrying out a punishment as decreed by a court or other forms of judicial authority.
Example sentences with cumplir una pena →declarar
to declare
The Spanish word 'declarar' translates to 'declare' in English. It is a verb and often used in legal or formal contexts to officially or formally state something. For instance, in the context of court or legal proceedings, when a person officially states something, they 'declare' it. Similarly, in customs, you 'declare' goods that you are bringing into a country. In addition, it could also be used in the context of expressing feelings towards someone else openly, as in 'declaring love'.
delincuente común
common criminal
The Spanish term 'delincuente común' translates to 'common criminal' in English. It is usually used to describe an individual who regularly breaks the law for personal gain or sometimes due to habitual behaviour. It covers a broad range of criminal activities from petty crimes to more serious offenses. This terminology is frequently used in legal contexts or discussions related to law enforcement, criminal psychology, prison systems or crime-related social issues.
Example sentences with delincuente común →delincuente habitual
habitual offender
The Spanish phrase 'delincuente habitual' translates to 'habitual offender' in English. This term refers to a person who frequently commits crimes and is repeatedly involved in illegal activities. The term highlights the regularity and repetitive nature of their unlawful actions. In both languages, it is largely used in legal and law enforcement contexts.
Example sentences with delincuente habitual →delincuente peligroso
dangerous criminal
The Spanish phrase 'delincuente peligroso' translates to 'dangerous criminal' in English. The term refers to a person who has committed severe and often violent offenses, and thus, poses a threat to others. This person has broken the law, and their actions are regarded as harmful to the safety and welfare of the public. The phrase is typically used in legal and law enforcement contexts.
Example sentences with delincuente peligroso →delito
offence
The word 'delito' in Spanish translates to 'offence' in English. This word is often used in the context of law and order to signify an act that is considered illegal or wrong according to the rules and regulations. The severity of 'delito' can vary widely from minor offences like traffic violations to major offences such as stealing, murder, etc.
delito contra el honor
offence against honour
The phrase 'delito contra el honor' in Spanish can be translated to English as 'offence against honour'. It is typically used in a legal context, referring to certain crimes that violate the dignity, reputation, or self-esteem of an individual. Here, 'delito' translates to 'offense' or 'crime', and 'contra el honor' translates to 'against honor'. This phrase signifies any act, whether verbal or physical, that could harm or insult someone's honor.
Example sentences with delito contra el honor →delito contra la intimidad
offence against privacy
The term 'delito contra la intimidad' in Spanish refers to an offence against privacy in English. This term is often used in legal contexts and refers to violations that can occur when someone's private life or personal data are improperly accessed, disclosed, or exploited. Examples can include unauthorized access to private communications, unfair data processing, or other forms of intrusion into a person's private affairs or sensitive information. It highlights the importance of respecting the individual's privacy in diverse situations and interactions.
Example sentences with delito contra la intimidad →delito de sangre
Blood crime
The Spanish phrase 'delito de sangre' translates to 'blood crime' in English. It is a legal term used to denote a violent crime, often involving the spilling of blood, such as murder or serious assault. It's often used in the context of criminal law.
Example sentences with delito de sangre →