You never expect to have run-ins with the law while traveling, however they do happen every now and again. Often times, mix-ups with the law, while visiting foreign countries, come from simple misunderstandings of laws and customs that can easily be resolved with a smile and a sincere apology. However, it’s a good idea to add some basic legal vocabulary and expressions to your Spanish repertoire before you set out. Keep this list handy on your travels as it can help you sound respectful, knowledgeable and cooperative in Spanish when addressing law enforcement.
Legal Terms in Spanish
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Basic Legal Terms for Travelers
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la ley |
the law |
|
la policia |
police |
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una apostilla |
apostille (legal certification or seal) |
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migración |
immigration |
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forma migratoria |
immigration form |
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el visado (Spain), la visa (Latin America) |
visa |
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mis/tus/sus/nuestros derechos |
my/your/their/our rights |
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una multa por estacionarse mal |
parking ticket |
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una multa por exceso de velocidad |
speeding ticket |
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llegar a un acuerdo |
to make/have an agreement |
Legal Expressions/Phrases
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¿Me permite hablar con un abogado? |
Can I speak with a lawyer? |
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¿Necesito consultar con un abogado? |
I need to see a lawyer. |
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¿Dónde puedo pagar esta multa? |
Where can I pay this ticket? |
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Disculpa, no sabía el límite de velocidad. |
My apologies, I didn’t know the speed limit. |
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Es contra la ley...tirar basura en la calle. |
It is against the law...to throw trash in the street. |
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Disculpe oficial, no sabía. |
My apologies officer, I didn’t know. |
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¿Me muestra su identificación/pasaporte? |
Can I see your identification/passport? |
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Con mucho gusto oficial. |
With pleasure/of course officer. |
People of the Courtroom
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el tribunal/el juzgado |
court |
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el/la acusado/a |
the defendant (criminal case) |
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el/la demandado/a |
the defendant (civil case) |
|
el abogado/a |
lawyer, attorney |
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el/la demandante |
plaintiff |
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el/la testigo |
witness |
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el juez |
judge |
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el jurado |
jury |
Advanced Legal Terms
|
una demanda |
lawsuit |
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la audiencia |
hearing |
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juicio nulo |
mistrial |
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una orden judicial |
a warrant |
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un reclamo, una reclamación |
a claim |
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la citación judicial |
a summons (to appear in court) |
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la sala del tribunal/del juzgado |
courtroom |
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orden del día del tribunal |
docket (the schedule of court cases) |
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pagar la fianza por alguien |
to make/post bail for someone bail |
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demandar a alguien |
to sue somebody |
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fuera de toda duda razonable |
beyond a reasonable doubt |
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incumplimiento de contrato |
breach of contract |
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una declaración de culpabilidad |
plea of guilty |
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una declaración de inocencia |
plea of not-guilty |
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la libertad condicional/provisional |
probation |
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las sanciones, los castigos |
penalties |
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el veredicto |
verdict |
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absolver |
to acquit |
Although you never expect to have a run-in with the law when traveling abroad, it is always good to have a handful of legal terms in your back pocket. Further, always remember to spend some time researching the laws and customs of the country you plan to visit to avoid misunderstandings with locals and law enforcement.