Legal: Criminal: Arraignments & Due Process
The Interpreter Academy USA
Advancing the Evolution of Professional Interpretation
Part I: Master Resource Index (Criminal Procedure)
CRIMINAL LAW & DUE PROCESS TERMINOLOGY
| English Source | Spanish Equivalent | Academy Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Arraignment | Lectura de cargos / Acta de acusación | The formal stage where the defendant is informed of the charges. |
| Remanded without bail | Detención preventiva sin fianza | Sending the defendant back to custody; avoid literal translations of 'remand'. |
| True Bill | Dictamen acusatorio | The formal written statement from a Grand Jury charging a person with a crime. |
| Exculpatory Evidence | Pruebas exculpatorias | Evidence that is favorable to the defendant in a criminal case. |
Part II: Legal Bar Exam Practice Test
The Fact Pattern
"During the arraignment, the defendant was advised of his Miranda rights. The prosecutor argued that because the defendant was a flight risk, he should be remanded without bail. Furthermore, the Grand Jury has returned a true bill on three counts of felony assault. The defense counsel moved to suppress certain exculpatory evidence that was allegedly obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, citing a violation of the Fourth Amendment."
1. In this formal courtroom setting, how should the interpreter render 'Arraignment'?
A) Juicio final
B) Lectura de cargos / Acta de acusación
C) Audiencia de fianza
D) Selección de jurado
2. In US criminal procedure, what does it mean when a Grand Jury returns a 'True Bill'?
A) Una factura pagada
B) Un dictamen acusatorio (acusación formal)
C) Una sentencia de no culpabilidad
D) Un despido de cargos
3. The defendant is 'Remanded without bail.' Select the correct interpretation:
A) El acusado queda en libertad bajo palabra.
B) El acusado queda en detención preventiva sin fianza.
C) El acusado debe pagar una fianza inmediatamente.
D) El acusado es absuelto de todos los cargos.
Academy Answer Key & Analysis
Q1: B. Lectura de cargos. This is the official term for the stage where the accused is brought before the court to hear the charges.
Q2: B. Dictamen acusatorio. A 'True Bill' is the Grand Jury's endorsement of an indictment.
Q3: B. Detención preventiva sin fianza. 'Remand' indicates the defendant is staying in custody rather than being released.