Comprehensive Legal Terminology (A-Z) | The Interpreter Academy USA
The Interpreter’s Rapid-Response Toolkit
Section 1 is designed as your Rapid-Response Toolkit. It is an alphabetical master list that cuts across all categories—criminal, civil, procedural, and evidentiary. Think of this section as the "Emergency Room" of your glossary.
A
AbandonmentAbandono
Definition: The act of voluntarily giving up rights or property without the intention of reclaiming them.
Notes: Can apply to property, contracts, or family law (child abandonment).
Context: Family law; property law.
Notes: Can apply to property, contracts, or family law (child abandonment).
Context: Family law; property law.
AbductionRapto / Secuestro
Definition: The illegal carrying away of a person by force or fraud.
Notes: Often distinguished from kidnapping by the lack of a ransom demand.
Notes: Often distinguished from kidnapping by the lack of a ransom demand.
AbscondFugarse / Huir
Definition: To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest.
Notes: Often results in a fugitive warrant.
Notes: Often results in a fugitive warrant.
Accessory After the FactCómplice después del hecho
Definition: A person who knowingly assists someone after a crime has been committed.
Context: Obstruction; post-crime assistance.
Context: Obstruction; post-crime assistance.
Accessory Before the FactCómplice antes del hecho
Definition: A person who intentionally helps plan or encourage a crime prior to its commission but is not physically present during the offense.
AccompliceCómplice
Definition: A person who voluntarily participates in the commission of a crime with another individual.
AcquittalAbsolución / Veredicto de no culpable
Definition: Legal judgment that the accused is not guilty of the crime charged.
AdjudicationAdjudicación / Fallo judicial
Definition: The formal legal process of resolving a dispute or deciding a case.
Admissible EvidencePruebas admisibles / Evidencia admisible
Definition: Evidence that the trial judge finds useful, reliable, and relevant.
Affidavit of ComplaintDeclaración jurada de denuncia
Definition: A sworn written statement used to initiate criminal charges.
AffirmationAfirmación / Protesta solemne
Definition: A solemn declaration made in place of an oath.
AffrayRiña tumultuaria / Altercado público
Definition: A public fight that disturbs the peace.
Aggravated AssaultAgresión agravada
Definition: A more serious form of assault involving a deadly weapon or serious injury.
Aggravating FactorsFactores agravantes
Definition: Circumstances that increase the severity of a crime or sentence.
Aiding and AbettingAyudar e instigar / Auxiliar en la comisión de un delito
Definition: Providing assistance, support, or encouragement to another person who commits a crime.
AlibiCoartada
Definition: A claim or evidence showing the accused was somewhere else at the time the crime occurred.
AllocutionAlocución
Definition: A formal statement made by the defendant to the judge before sentencing.
AppealApelación / Recurso de apelación
Definition: A request to a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
Appeal BondFianza de apelación
Definition: Money posted to release a defendant while an appeal is pending.
AppearanceComparecencia
Definition: The act of coming into court as a party to a suit.
ArbitrationArbitraje
Definition: Method of resolving disputes outside of court with a neutral third party.
Armed RobberyRobo a mano armada
Definition: Theft committed through the use, display, or threat of a deadly weapon.
ArraignmentLectura de cargos / Comparecencia inicial
Definition: First court appearance where charges are formally read.
ArrestArresto / Detención
Definition: Taking a person into custody based on probable cause.
Arrest WarrantOrden de arresto
Definition: A judicial order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person.
ArsonIncendio provocado
Definition: The malicious burning of property.
AssaultAgresión
Definition: Intentional act creating apprehension of harmful contact.
Attempted CrimeDelito en grado de tentativa
Definition: Act done with intent to commit a crime that falls short of completion.
Attorney of RecordAbogado que consta en actas
Definition: Lawyer listed in the court file representing a party.
B
BailFianza
Definition: Money or conditions set to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court.
Bail BondFianza mediante bono / Póliza de fianza
Definition: Guarantee posted by a bondsman to secure release.
Bail RevocationRevocación de la fianza
Definition: Canceling bail due to violations.
BailiffAlguacil
Definition: Court officer responsible for maintaining order and assisting the judge.
BallisticsBalística
Definition: The science of projectiles used to analyze bullets.
BatteryLesiones
Definition: The unlawful and intentional physical touching or striking of another person.
Bench TrialJuicio ante el juez / Juicio sin jurado
Definition: Trial where the judge decides facts and law.
Bench WarrantOrden judicial de arresto por incomparecencia
Definition: Arrest warrant issued by a judge when a defendant fails to appear in court.
Beyond a Reasonable DoubtMás allá de toda duda razonable
Definition: Highest standard of proof required to convict.
BookingRegistro / Fichaje policial
Definition: Administrative process after arrest including fingerprinting and photographing.
BriefEscrito legal / Alegato escrito
Definition: Written document presenting legal arguments.
Burden of ProofCarga de la prueba
Definition: Obligation to prove allegations.
BurglaryRobo con allanamiento / Robo con fractura
Definition: Unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime inside.
C
CalendarCalendario judicial / Lista de casos
Definition: Schedule of cases set for hearing or trial.
Capital OffenseDelito capital
Definition: A crime punishable by death.
Case LawJurisprudencia
Definition: Law established by former case outcomes.
Cause of ActionCausa de acción / Fundamento de la demanda
Definition: Facts sufficient to justify a right to sue.
Cease and Desist OrderOrden de cese y desista
Definition: Order requiring a person to stop an activity.
Chain of CustodyCadena de custodia
Definition: Documentation showing who collected, handled, and transferred evidence.
Challenge for CauseRecusación con causa
Definition: Request to dismiss a juror for bias or inability to be impartial.
Change of VenueCambio de jurisdicción
Definition: Moving trial to a different geographic location.
Charge (Criminal)Cargo penal
Definition: Formal accusation of a crime.
Charge to the JuryInstrucciones al jurado
Definition: Judge's instructions explaining the law.
Circumstantial EvidencePrueba circunstancial
Definition: Indirect evidence suggesting a conclusion.
CitationCitación / Multa
Definition: Notice to appear in court.
Civil RightsDerechos civiles
Definition: Guaranteed constitutional rights ensuring equal treatment.
ClemencyClemencia
Definition: Mercy or leniency granted by an executive official.
Clerk of CourtSecretario del tribunal
Definition: Officer maintaining court records.
Closing ArgumentAlegato final / Argumento de cierre
Definition: Final summary of evidence by attorneys.
CodeCódigo
Definition: Systematic collection of laws.
CoercionCoacción
Definition: Force or threats to compel action.
CompetencyCompetencia mental
Definition: Mental capacity to understand legal proceedings.
ComplainantDenunciante / Querellante
Definition: Person who initiates legal proceedings.
Complaint (Criminal)Querella penal / Denuncia penal
Definition: Statement filed to start prosecution.
Concurrent SentencesPenas concurrentes
Definition: Multiple sentences served at once.
ConfessionConfesión
Definition: Voluntary admission of responsibility.
Consecutive SentencesPenas consecutivas
Definition: Multiple sentences served one after another.
ConspiracyConspiración
Definition: Agreement between two or more persons to commit a criminal act.
Contempt of CourtDesacato al tribunal
Definition: Disrespect toward the court or its orders.
ContinuanceAplazamiento / Continuación
Definition: Postponement of a scheduled proceeding.
ContrabandContrabando / Artículos prohibidos
Definition: Illegal goods to possess.
Controlled SubstanceSustancia controlada
Definition: Regulated drugs or chemicals.
ConvictionCondena
Definition: Formal declaration of guilt.
CoronerMédico forense / Coronel
Definition: Official investigating suspicious deaths.
Corpus DelictiCuerpo del delito
Definition: Concrete evidence a crime occurred.
CorroborationCorroboración
Definition: Evidence supporting a statement.
CounselAbogado / Consejero legal
Definition: A lawyer or attorney.
CountCargo / Cuenta
Definition: Separate offense in an indictment.
Court ReporterTaquígrafo judicial / Cronista de la corte
Definition: Person recording court proceedings.
Crime SceneEscena del crimen
Definition: Location where a crime occurred.
Criminal RecordAntecedentes penales
Definition: History of contact with law enforcement.
Cross-ComplaintContrademanda
Definition: Claim brought by defendant against plaintiff.
Cross-ExaminationContrainterrogatorio
Definition: Questioning of a witness by the opposing side to challenge credibility.
CulpabilityCulpabilidad
Definition: Responsibility for a fault or wrong.
Custodial InterrogationInterrogatorio en situación de custodia
Definition: Questioning by law enforcement while a suspect is not free to leave.
D
D.A. (District Attorney)Fiscal del distrito
Definition: Elected prosecutor for a district.
DamagesDaños y perjuicios / Indemnización
Definition: Compensation for loss or injury.
DeadlockEstancamiento
Definition: Jury unable to reach a verdict.
Deadly WeaponArma mortal / Arma letal
Definition: Object capable of causing death or serious injury.
Death PenaltyPena de muerte
Definition: Legal execution as punishment.
DecriminalizationDespenalización
Definition: Removal of criminal penalties.
Default JudgmentFallo por falta de comparecencia / Rebeldía
Definition: Judgment against party failing to appear.
DefendantAcusado / Imputado
Definition: Person charged with a crime and standing trial.
Discovery (Criminal)Intercambio de pruebas / Descubrimiento de pruebas
Definition: Exchange of evidence between sides.
Double JeopardyDoble enjuiciamiento / Doble exposición penal
Definition: protection preventing a person from being tried twice for the same offense.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)Conducir bajo la influencia
Definition: Operating vehicle while impaired.
Due ProcessDebido proceso
Definition: Guarantee of fair treatment in legal proceedings.
E
EmbezzlementMalversación
Definition: Theft of property entrusted to one’s care.
ExtraditionExtradición
Definition: Transfer of suspect between jurisdictions.
F
FelonyDelito grave / Delito mayor
Definition: Serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
G
Grand JuryGran jurado
Definition: Panel of citizens who decide whether probable cause exists for indictment.
H
HearsayTestimonio de oídas
Definition: Secondhand statement offered for the truth of the matter asserted.
I
IndictmentAcusación formal / Acusación del gran jurado
Definition: Written formal charge issued by a grand jury.
J
JailCárcel
Definition: Local facility for short-term incarceration.
K
KidnappingSecuestro / Rapto
Definition: Unlawful confinement or movement against will.
L
LarcenyHurto
Definition: Unlawful taking of property with intent to permanently deprive.
M
Miranda RightsDerechos Miranda
Definition: Rights read to suspects in custody before interrogation.
MisdemeanorDelito menor / Falta penal
Definition: Criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail.
N
No Contest PleaDeclaración de no me opongo / Nolo contendere
Definition: Defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.
O
Obstruction of JusticeObstrucción de la justicia
Definition: Interfering with the administration of law.
P
ParoleLibertad condicional / Libertad vigilada
Definition: Early supervised release from prison.
Plea BargainAcuerdo de culpabilidad / Negociación de cargos
Definition: Agreement where defendant pleads guilty to a reduced charge.
Q
QuashAnular / Invalidar / Mocion para anular
Definition: Legal request to nullify a warrant, subpoena, or indictment.
R
RestitutionRestitución
Definition: Court-ordered payment to compensate victims.
S
Search WarrantOrden de registro / Orden de allanamiento
Definition: Judicial authorization allowing search of a specific place.
Statute of LimitationsPlazo de prescripción penal
Definition: Time period within which charges must be filed.
T
TestimonyTestimonio / Declaración
Definition: Evidence given under oath by a witness.
TraffickingTráfico (de drogas / personas / armas)
Definition: Illegal distribution or transport.
U
Unlawful RestraintRetención ilegal
Definition: Restricting a person’s movement without justification.
V
VerdictVeredicto
Definition: Jury or judge’s decision on guilt or innocence.
W
WarrantOrden judicial (de arresto / de registro)
Definition: Judicial authorization allowing arrest or search.
X
X-Ray EvidenceEvidencia radiológica
Definition: Imaging used to identify fractures or contraband.
Y
Youthful OffenderDelicuente juvenil / Ofensor juvenil
Definition: Young defendant qualifying for reduced penalties.
Z
Zero Tolerance PolicyPolítica de tolerancia cero
Definition: Strict penalties for certain crimes without exceptions.
Zoning Violation (Criminal)Violación de zonificación (penal)
Definition: Criminal charge arising from unauthorized land use.