Courtroom & Trial Procedure Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Courtroom Proceedings & Trial Procedure
The courtroom is a highly regulated environment governed by a complex framework of rules known as trial procedure. Every word spoken—whether by a judge, an attorney, or a witness—is dictated by the procedural stage of the case.
"For the court interpreter, procedural terminology presents a unique challenge: these terms often have no direct cultural equivalent in civil law systems. Concepts like hearsay, double jeopardy, and the Fifth Amendment privilege are specific to the U.S. constitutional framework."
Mastery of this section ensures that the interpreter is not just translating words, but accurately conveying the legal process itself. Misunderstanding procedural verbs like quash, remand, or vacate can lead to significant errors in the official record.
A
AcquittalAbsolución
Definition: A formal finding that the defendant is not guilty of the charged offense.
Notes: Ends the case; no retrial allowed under double jeopardy.
Notes: Ends the case; no retrial allowed under double jeopardy.
AdjournmentAplazamiento / Suspensión
Definition: Temporary pause or end of a court session or hearing.
Admissible EvidenceEvidencia admisible
Definition: Evidence allowed in court because it meets legal standards.
Admonishment of JuryAmonestación al jurado
Definition: Judge’s instructions warning jurors about prohibited behaviors.
Adversarial SystemSistema adversarial
Definition: Legal system where prosecution and defense present opposing arguments.
AffidavitDeclaración jurada
Definition: Written, sworn statement used as evidence.
AllocutionAlegato personal del acusado / Allocución
Definition: Defendant’s right to speak before sentencing.
Amicus Curiae BriefEscrito de amicus curiae
Definition: Written submission by a non-party offering legal arguments to assist the court.
AppealApelación
Definition: Request for a higher court to review lower court’s decision.
AppearanceComparecencia en el tribunal
Definition: Formal court attendance by a party or attorney.
ArraignmentLectura de cargos / Comparecencia inicial
Definition: Hearing where defendant is formally charged and enters a plea.
Article III JudgeJuez del Artículo III
Definition: Federal judge appointed for life under U.S. Constitution Article III.
B
Bail HearingAudiencia de fianza
Definition: Hearing to determine release conditions and bail amount.
BailiffAlguacil / Ujier del tribunal
Definition: Court officer responsible for keeping order and assisting the judge.
Bench ConferenceConferencia en el estrado / Sidebar
Definition: Private discussion between the judge and attorneys at the judge's bench.
Bench TrialJuicio ante el juez / Juicio sin jurado
Definition: Trial conducted solely by a judge without a jury.
Beyond a Reasonable DoubtMás allá de toda duda razonable
Definition: Highest legal standard of proof required for criminal convictions.
Bond ConditionsCondiciones de fianza
Definition: Requirements defendant must follow while released pretrial.
BriefEscrito legal / Alegato escrito
Definition: Written argument submitted to a court outlining legal issues.
Burden of ProofCarga de la prueba
Definition: Obligation to prove allegations; in criminal cases, it rests on prosecution.
Business Records ExceptionExcepción de registros comerciales
Definition: Allows business records into evidence without live testimony if criteria met.
C
Calendar CallLlamado del calendario judicial
Definition: Court session where pending cases are reviewed or scheduled.
ChambersDespacho del juez
Definition: Private office where informal legal discussions occur off the record.
Change of VenueCambio de jurisdicción / Cambio de sede
Definition: Moving a trial to another location due to prejudice.
Charge ConferenceConferencia sobre instrucciones al jurado
Definition: Meeting where attorneys and judge decide applicable instructions.
Clerk of CourtSecretario del tribunal
Definition: Court official who maintains case files, dockets, and records.
Closing ArgumentsAlegatos finales
Definition: Final statements summarizing evidence and urging a verdict.
ComplaintQuerella (penal) / Demanda (civil)
Definition: Formal written accusation or claim filed to start a case.
ContinuancePrórroga / Aplazamiento
Definition: Delay of a hearing or trial granted for good cause.
Court ReporterTaquígrafo judicial / Reportero de la corte
Definition: Professional who creates the official verbatim record.
Cross-ExaminationContrainterrogatorio
Definition: Questioning of a witness by the opposing party.
D
Dead DocketArchivo inactivo / Desestimación sin perjuicio
Definition: Case paused or dismissed but can be refiled later.
Default JudgmentFallo en rebeldía
Definition: Judgment entered when one party fails to appear or respond.
Direct ExaminationInterrogatorio directo
Definition: Questioning of a witness by the party who called them.
Directed VerdictVeredicto dirigido / fallo dirigido
Definition: Judge’s ruling taking the case away from the jury.
DiscoveryDivulgación de pruebas / Descubrimiento legal
Definition: Exchange of evidence and information between parties.
Dismissal with PrejudiceDesestimación con perjuicio
Definition: Permanent dismissal; case cannot be refiled.
Docket NumberNúmero de expediente
Definition: Unique case identification number assigned by the court.
Double JeopardyDoble exposición / Doble enjuiciamiento
Definition: Protection preventing being tried twice for the same offense.
E
Evidentiary HearingAudiencia probatoria
Definition: Hearing to evaluate evidence or testimony before trial.
Ex Parte CommunicationComunicación ex parte
Definition: Contact with the judge by one party without the other present.
Exclusion of WitnessesExclusión de testigos / regla de separación
Definition: Order requiring witnesses to remain outside the courtroom.
Execution of SentenceEjecución de la sentencia
Definition: Carrying out the punishment ordered by the court.
ExhibitPrueba material / Exhibición
Definition: Document or physical evidence introduced into the record.
Expert Witness TestimonyTestimonio de perito experto
Definition: Testimony provided by a qualified specialist.
ExpungementExpurgación / Cancelación de antecedentes
Definition: Legal process removing a criminal conviction from records.
F
Failure to Appear (FTA)Falta de comparecencia (FTA)
Definition: Defendant’s failure to appear in court as ordered.
Fair Trial RightsDerechos a un juicio justo
Definition: Constitutional protections including counsel and impartial jury.
Fifth Amendment PrivilegePrivilegio de la Quinta Enmienda
Definition: Right against self-incrimination.
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of LawDeterminaciones de hecho y conclusiones de derecho
Definition: Judge’s explanation of proven facts and applicable rules.
For Cause (Jury Challenge)Recusación por causa justificada
Definition: Removal of a juror due to demonstrated bias.
ForepersonPresidente del jurado
Definition: Juror responsible for delivering verdict.
Fugitive WarrantOrden de arresto por fuga
Definition: Warrant issued for individuals who flee jurisdiction.
G
Gag OrderOrden de silencio / Orden de mordaza
Definition: Court order prohibiting parties from discussing the case publicly.
Grand JuryGran jurado
Definition: Panel that determines if probable cause exists for indictment.
Grounds for ObjectionMotivos de objeción
Definition: Legal basis for opposing a question or evidence.
Guideline RangeRango de las pautas de sentencia
Definition: Recommended sentencing range based on offense level.
Guilty PleaDeclaración de culpabilidad
Definition: Defendant admits guilt and waives trial rights.
H
Habeas Corpus PetitionPetición de hábeas corpus
Definition: Request challenging unlawful detention.
HearsayTestimonio de oídas / Hearsay
Definition: Out-of-court statement offered to prove truth.
Hostile WitnessTestigo hostil
Definition: Witness uncooperative with the calling party.
Hung JuryJurado estancado / Jurado sin veredicto
Definition: Jury unable to reach a verdict, leads to mistrial.
Hybrid HearingAudiencia híbrida
Definition: Proceeding conducted partly in person and partly remote.
Hypothetical QuestionPregunta hipotética (a perito)
Definition: Question asking expert opinion based on assumed facts.
I
Impeachment of WitnessImpugnación del testigo
Definition: Process of challenging witness credibility.
In Camera HearingAudiencia in camera / Audiencia privada
Definition: Private hearing in chambers or closed courtroom.
IndictmentAcusación formal / Acta de acusación
Definition: Formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury.
InformationAcusación por información
Definition: Formal charge filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury.
Instruction to the JuryInstrucción al jurado
Definition: Judge’s explanation of law jury must apply.
Interlocutory AppealApelación interlocutoria
Definition: Appeal of a ruling made before final judgment.
InterpreterIntérprete
Definition: Professional facilitating communication between languages.
Involuntary Manslaughter InstructionInstrucción de homicidio involuntario
Definition: Jury instruction explaining unintentional killing.
J
Judgment of AcquittalFallo absolutorio (Regla 29)
Definition: Motion arguing evidence insufficient for conviction.
Judicial NoticeNotificación judicial / Reconocimiento judicial
Definition: Court acceptance of facts as true without proof.
JurisdictionJurisdicción
Definition: Authority of a court to hear a case.
Jury DeliberationsDeliberaciones del jurado
Definition: Private discussions where jurors decide verdict.
Jury PollingVotación individual del jurado
Definition: Jurors asked individually to confirm verdict.
Jury Selection (Voir Dire)Selección del jurado (voir dire)
Definition: Process of questioning prospective jurors for bias.
Justiciable IssueCuestión justiciable
Definition: Issue appropriate for legal resolution.
K
Key EvidenceEvidencia clave
Definition: Critical evidence affecting the case outcome.
Knock-and-Announce RequirementRequisito de tocar y anunciarse
Definition: Police must identify themselves before entering.
Knowledge RequirementRequisito de conocimiento (mens rea)
Definition: Mental state requiring defendant knew of conduct.
L
Lay WitnessTestigo lego / testigo no perito
Definition: Witness testifying based on personal observation.
Leading QuestionPregunta sugestiva
Definition: Question that suggests the answer; cross-exam only.
Legal PresumptionPresunción legal
Definition: Assumption court accepts as true unless rebutted.
Lesser-Included OffenseDelito menor incluido
Definition: Offense contained within a more serious charge.
Limiting InstructionInstrucción limitante
Definition: Judge instructing jury to use evidence for specific purpose only.
Lineup ProcedureProcedimiento de identificación / Rueda
Definition: Police-organized suspect identification.
Litigation HoldRetención de litigio / Orden de preservar
Definition: Requirement to preserve evidence once litigation anticipated.
M
MistrialJuicio nulo
Definition: Trial declared invalid due to error or hung jury.
Mitigating FactorsFactores atenuantes
Definition: Circumstances reducing blame or sentence.
MootnessFalta de materia / Carencia de asunto
Definition: Case becomes irrelevant when issue no longer exists.
Motion in LimineMoción in limine
Definition: Pretrial motion to exclude evidence before jury sees it.
Motion to CompelMoción para obligar / Moción de cumplimiento
Definition: Request for court order to comply with discovery.
Motion to DismissMoción de desestimación
Definition: Request to terminate case due to legal insufficiency.
Motion to SuppressMoción para suprimir evidencia
Definition: Request to exclude evidence obtained unlawfully.
Multicount IndictmentAcusación con múltiples cargos
Definition: Indictment containing several charges.
N
Nolo Contendere (No Contest)Declaración de no me opongo / No contestar
Definition: Defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.
Notice of AppealAviso de apelación
Definition: Formal document initiating the appellate process.
Notice of MotionAviso de moción
Definition: Written notice advising of hearing date and relief requested.
NullificationAnulación por el jurado
Definition: Jury returns verdict contrary to law for moral reasons.
Nunc Pro Tunc OrderOrden nunc pro tunc / Orden retroactiva
Definition: Court order applied retroactively to correct records.
O
Objection OverruledObjeción denegada / Rechazada
Definition: Judge disagrees with objection; question stands.
Objection SustainedObjeción sostenida / Aceptada
Definition: Judge agrees with objection; question disallowed.
Opening StatementDeclaración de apertura / Exposición inicial
Definition: Overview of expected evidence presented to jury.
Oral ArgumentAlegato oral (apelaciones)
Definition: Verbal arguments before appellate judges.
Order to Show Cause (OSC)Orden para demostrar causa
Definition: Court command requiring party to justify a position.
Overbroad QuestionPregunta excesivamente amplia
Definition: Objectionable question lacking specificity.
P
Peremptory ChallengeRecusación perentoria
Definition: Removal of a juror without giving a reason.
Petition for CertiorariPetición de certiorari
Definition: Formal request for U.S. Supreme Court review.
Plea AgreementAcuerdo de culpabilidad / Acuerdo de declaración
Definition: Negotiated resolution where defendant pleads guilty.
Plea ColloquyInterrogatorio para aceptación de la declaración
Definition: Judge ensures plea is voluntary and knowing.
Pretrial ConferenceConferencia previa al juicio
Definition: Meeting to discuss case status, motions, and discovery.
Probation Revocation HearingAudiencia de revocación de libertad condicional
Definition: Determining if probation conditions were violated.
Proffer SessionSesión de proffer / Oferta de información
Definition: Meeting where defendant provides info under limited agreement.
Protective Order (Discovery)Orden de protección (en descubrimiento)
Definition: Limits use or distribution of sensitive evidence.
Q
Quash a SubpoenaAnular un citatorio / Invalidar una citación
Definition: Court order voiding or modifying a subpoena.
Question of FactCuestión de hecho
Definition: Factual issue decided by jury or judge.
Question of LawCuestión de derecho
Definition: Legal issue decided by judge, not jury.
Quorum (Judicial Panel)Quórum (panel judicial)
Definition: Minimum number of judges required to decide a case.
R
Rebuttal EvidenceEvidencia de refutación
Definition: Evidence to disprove or contradict defense claims.
Redirect ExaminationRe-examen directo / Re interrogatorio
Definition: Follow-up questioning to clarify testimony.
RemandRemitir / Devolver a instancia inferior
Definition: Appellate court sends case back for new proceedings.
Reserved RulingFallo reservado
Definition: Judge postpones decision on a motion.
Rest the CaseConcluir la presentación del caso
Definition: Party formally ends the presentation of evidence.
Rule 403 ObjectionObjeción bajo la Regla 403
Definition: Claims evidence unfairly prejudicial.
S
Sentencing HearingAudiencia de imposición de sentencia
Definition: Proceeding where punishment is announced.
Sequestration (of Jury)Aislamiento del jurado
Definition: Restricting access to info to prevent influence.
Show Cause HearingAudiencia para mostrar causa
Definition: Hearing requiring party to justify action or avoid sanctions.
Sidebar ConferenceConferencia en la barra / Conversación en privado
Definition: Private discussion with judge at the bench.
Speedy Trial RightDerecho a un juicio rápido
Definition: Constitutional right preventing unreasonable delays.
StipulationEstipulación / Acuerdo de las partes
Definition: Formal agreement between attorneys about facts.
Sub JudiceSub judice / Bajo consideración judicial
Definition: Matter currently under judicial review.
Summary JudgmentJuicio sumario / Fallo sumario
Definition: Court decision without trial when facts undisputed.
SurrebuttalPrueba de refutación adicional
Definition: Evidence presented by defense after prosecution’s rebuttal.
T
Testimony Under OathTestimonio bajo juramento
Definition: Statements made after swearing to tell the truth.
Timeliness ObjectionObjeción por falta de oportunidad / Objeción tardía
Definition: Challenge that motion or evidence was presented too late.
Transcript of ProceedingsTranscripción de las actuaciones
Definition: Written verbatim record of everything said.
Trial de NovoJuicio de novo / Juicio nuevo
Definition: New trial as if original had not occurred.
Trier of FactJuzgador de hechos / Evaluador de los hechos
Definition: Entity (jury or judge) responsible for deciding facts.
Two-Tier Court SystemSistema judicial de dos niveles
Definition: Division into trial and appellate courts.
U
Unanimous VerdictVeredicto unánime
Definition: Verdict where all jurors agree.
Under AdvisementBajo consideración / En deliberación judicial
Definition: Judge postpones ruling to study matter further.
Under SealBajo sello
Definition: Filings kept confidential from the public.
V
VenueJurisdicción territorial / Lugar del juicio
Definition: Geographic location where case is heard.
Verdict FormFormulario de veredicto
Definition: Written document jurors complete to record decision.
Voir DireVoir dire / Selección del jurado
Definition: Process of questioning jurors for bias.
Voluntary DismissalDesestimación voluntaria
Definition: Plaintiff withdraws case on own initiative.
W
Waive the RightRenunciar al derecho
Definition: Voluntary abandonment of a legal right.
Witness ImpeachmentImpugnación del testigo
Definition: Challenging the credibility of a witness.
Witness StandEstrado de testigos
Definition: Designated place for witnesses to testify.
Written MotionMoción escrita
Definition: Motion formally filed with support facts and law.
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