Legal Terminology and Vocabulary
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Court Interpreting course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Abridged transcript refers to a condensed version of a court transcript,… #
Related terms include transcript, court reporter, and testimony. In the context of court interpreting, an abridged transcript can be useful for quick reference or for identifying key points in a complex case. For example, an interpreter may use an abridged transcript to prepare for a hearing or to review the essential elements of a case.
Abrogation refers to the repeal or cancellation of a law, treaty ,… #
Related terms include repeal, amendment, and modification. In the context of court interpreting, abrogation can have significant implications for the interpretation of statutes and regulations. For instance, an interpreter may need to be aware of changes to a law or treaty that have been abrogated in order to provide accurate interpretation.
Accelerated rehabilitation refers to a specialized program designed to <i… #
Related terms include rehabilitation, probation, and parole. In the context of court interpreting, accelerated rehabilitation can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving juvenile offenders or first-time offenders. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the terms and conditions of an accelerated rehabilitation program.
Acceptance of service refers to the acknowledgement of receipt of a le… #
Related terms include service of process, waiver, and default. In the context of court interpreting, acceptance of service can be a critical concept, as it may affect the outcome of a case. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of a legal document and ensure that the recipient understands the implications of accepting service.
Access to justice refers to the ability of individuals to access t… #
Related terms include equal access, due process, and rule of law. In the context of court interpreting, access to justice is a fundamental concept, as it ensures that all individuals have the opportunity to participate in the legal process and receive a fair outcome. For example, an interpreter may play a crucial role in facilitating access to justice for limited English proficient individuals.
Accomplice refers to a person who assists or participates i… #
Related terms include co-conspirator, accessory, and principal. In the context of court interpreting, accomplice can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving multiple defendants or complex criminal conspiracies. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the roles and responsibilities of each accomplice in order to provide accurate interpretation.
Acknowledgement refers to the act of recognizing or admitting</… #
Related terms include affidavit, certification, and verification. In the context of court interpreting, acknowledgement can be a critical concept, as it may affect the admissibility of evidence or the validity of a document. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of a document and ensure that the signatory understands the implications of providing an acknowledgement.
Acquittal refers to the dismissal of charges against a defendan… #
Related terms include conviction, verdict, and sentencing. In the context of court interpreting, acquittal can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or high-profile defendants. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the reasons for an acquittal and ensure that the defendant understands the implications of the verdict.
Action refers to a lawsuit or legal proceeding initiated by a p… #
Related terms include complaint, petition, and summons. In the context of court interpreting, action can be a fundamental concept, as it sets in motion the legal process and determines the course of the case. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of a complaint and ensure that the defendant understands the allegations made against them.
Active listening refers to the process of fully engaging wi… #
Related terms include concentration, attention, and comprehension. In the context of court interpreting, active listening is a critical skill, as it enables the interpreter to accurately interpret the spoken language and provide a faithful rendition of the original message. For instance, an interpreter may need to use active listening to follow complex testimony or to identify subtle nuances in the spoken language.
Actus reus refers to the guilty act or criminal behavior that form… #
Related terms include mens rea, intent, and criminal liability. In the context of court interpreting, actus reus can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex criminal charges or technical legal issues. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the elements of a crime and ensure that the defendant understands the allegations made against them.
Ad hoc refers to a temporary or improvised solution or arrangem… #
Related terms include interim, provisional, and temporary. In the context of court interpreting, ad hoc can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving emergency or urgent situations. For instance, an interpreter may need to provide ad hoc interpretation services in a crisis situation or to facilitate communication in a fast-paced environment.
Addendum refers to a supplement or appendix added to a document… #
Related terms include amendment, appendix, and supplement. In the context of court interpreting, addendum can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal documents or technical agreements. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an addendum and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the supplement.
Adjudication refers to the process of making a decision or… #
Related terms include arbitration, mediation, and judgment. In the context of court interpreting, adjudication can be a critical concept, as it determines the outcome of a case and affects the rights and interests of the parties involved. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the reasons for an adjudication and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the decision.
Adjustment of status refers to the process of changing an individu… #
Related terms include naturalization, citizenship, and residency. In the context of court interpreting, adjustment of status can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving immigration or nationality issues. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the requirements for adjusting an individual's status and ensure that the applicant understands the implications of the process.
Administering an oath refers to the act of swearing in a witnes… #
Related terms include affirmation, testimonial, and evidence. In the context of court interpreting, administering an oath can be a critical concept, as it ensures that witnesses and defendants provide truthful testimony. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the oath or affirmation and ensure that the witness or defendant understands the implications of providing false testimony.
Administrative regulation refers to a rule or guideline issued by… #
Related terms include statute, legislation, and policy. In the context of court interpreting, administrative regulation can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving government agencies or administrative law. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the requirements of an administrative regulation and ensure that the parties understand the implications of non-compliance.
Admission refers to the act of acknowledging or admitting s… #
Related terms include confession, acknowledgement, and statement. In the context of court interpreting, admission can be a critical concept, as it may affect the outcome of a case. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an admission and ensure that the defendant understands the implications of admitting to a crime.
Adverse inference refers to a negative assumption or conclusion dr… #
Related terms include presumption, inference, and evidence. In the context of court interpreting, adverse inference can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex evidence or technical legal issues. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the reasons for drawing an adverse inference and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the inference.
Advisory opinion refers to a non #
binding opinion or guidance provided by a judge or expert on a legal issue. Related terms include binding opinion, precedent, and guidance. In the context of court interpreting, advisory opinion can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or novel questions of law. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an advisory opinion and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the opinion.
Advocate refers to a person who supports or represents a <b… #
Related terms include attorney, counsel, and representative. In the context of court interpreting, advocate can be a critical concept, as it ensures that clients and parties receive fair and effective representation. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the communications between an advocate and their client and ensure that the client understands the advice and representation provided.
Affidavit refers to a sworn statement or declaration made by a … #
Related terms include deposition, testimony, and evidence. In the context of court interpreting, affidavit can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving written evidence or documentary proof. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an affidavit and ensure that the signatory understands the implications of providing a false statement.
Aggravated offense refers to a serious or severe crime that involv… #
Related terms include felony, misdemeanor, and penalty. In the context of court interpreting, aggravated offense can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or violent offenses. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the elements of an aggravated offense and ensure that the defendant understands the allegations made against them.
Agreement refers to a mutual understanding or contract between two… #
Related terms include contract, treaty, and accord. In the context of court interpreting, agreement can be a critical concept, as it may affect the outcome of a case or the rights and interests of the parties involved. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the terms and conditions of an agreement and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the agreement.
Allegation refers to a claim or accusation made against a perso… #
Related terms include complaint, charge, and accusation. In the context of court interpreting, allegation can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or technical allegations. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an allegation and ensure that the defendant understands the allegations made against them.
Alternate dispute resolution refers to a process or procedure used… #
Related terms include arbitration, mediation, and negotiation. In the context of court interpreting, alternate dispute resolution can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex disputes or high-stakes negotiations. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the communications between parties in an alternate dispute resolution process and ensure that the parties understand the terms and conditions of a settlement or agreement.
Ambiguity refers to a lack of clarity or uncertainty in a word<… #
Related terms include uncertainty, ambivalence, and vagueness. In the context of court interpreting, ambiguity can be a critical concept, as it may affect the meaning or interpretation of a statement or document. For example, an interpreter may need to identify and clarify ambiguous language in a testimony or document to ensure that the meaning is clear and accurate.
Amendment refers to a change or modification made to a document… #
Related terms include revision, modification, and update. In the context of court interpreting, amendment can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal documents or technical agreements. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the changes made to a document or agreement and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the amendment.
Appeal refers to a request or petition made to a higher court</… #
Related terms include petition, review, and reversal. In the context of court interpreting, appeal can be a critical concept, as it may affect the outcome of a case or the rights and interests of the parties involved. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the grounds for an appeal and ensure that the appellant understands the process and procedures involved.
Appearance refers to the act of presenting oneself in a court</… #
Related terms include attendance, presence, and representation. In the context of court interpreting, appearance can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or technical procedures. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the requirements for making an appearance and ensure that the parties understand the implications of failing to appear.
Appellant refers to a person or party who initiates an a… #
Related terms include appellee, petitioner, and respondent. In the context of court interpreting, appellant can be a critical concept, as it identifies the party seeking to challenge or reverse a decision or ruling.
Application refers to a request or petition made to a court … #
Related terms include petition, request, and motion. In the context of court interpreting, application can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or technical procedures. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the requirements for making an application and ensure that the applicant understands the process and procedures involved.
Appointee refers to a person who has been appointed or designat… #
Related terms include designee, representative, and agent. In the context of court interpreting, appointee can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or technical procedures. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the powers and responsibilities of an appointee and ensure that the appointee understands the scope of their authority.
Aquittal refers to a dismissal of charges against a defendant</… #
In the context of court interpreting, aquittal can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or high-profile defendants. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the reasons for an aquittal and ensure that the defendant understands the implications of the verdict.
Arbitration refers to a process or procedure used to resolve</b… #
Related terms include mediation, negotiation, and alternate dispute resolution. In the context of court interpreting, arbitration can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex disputes or high-stakes negotiations. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the communications between parties in an arbitration process and ensure that the parties understand the terms and conditions of a settlement or agreement.
Argument refers to a presentation or submission made by a party… #
Related terms include brief, submission, and pleading. In the context of court interpreting, argument can be a critical concept, as it may affect the outcome of a case or the rights and interests of the parties involved. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the arguments presented by a party or attorney and ensure that the judge or jury understands the claims and positions presented.
Arraignment refers to the initial appearance of a defendant … #
Related terms include indictment, information, and arraignment hearing. In the context of court interpreting, arraignment can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or high-profile defendants. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the charges and explain the process and procedures involved in an arraignment hearing.
Arrest refers to the act of taking a person into custody… #
Related terms include apprehension, detention, and custody. In the context of court interpreting, arrest can be a critical concept, as it may affect the rights and freedoms of the individual arrested. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the reasons for an arrest and ensure that the individual understands their rights and the process and procedures involved.
Arrest warrant refers to a document or order issued by a court<… #
Related terms include search warrant, bench warrant, and arrest order. In the context of court interpreting, arrest warrant can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or high-profile defendants. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an arrest warrant and ensure that the individual understands the reasons for their arrest and the process and procedures involved.
Article refers to a written document or section that forms… #
Related terms include section, clause, and provision. In the context of court interpreting, article can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal documents or technical agreements. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the contents of an article and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the article.
Assault refers to a physical or verbal attack on a perso… #
Related terms include battery, threat, and intimidation. In the context of court interpreting, assault can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving serious crimes or violent offenses. For example, an interpreter may need to interpret the allegations made against a defendant and ensure that the defendant understands the charges and the process and procedures involved.
Assignment refers to the act of transferring or assigning a… #
Related terms include transfer, delegation, and substitution. In the context of court interpreting, assignment can be an important concept to understand, particularly in cases involving complex legal issues or technical procedures. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the terms and conditions of an assignment and ensure that the parties understand the implications of the assignment.
Attorney refers to a person who is qualified and authorized … #
Related terms include counsel, lawyer, and representative. In the context of court interpreting, attorney can be a critical concept, as it identifies the person responsible for representing a client or party in a legal proceeding. For instance, an interpreter may need to interpret the communications between an attorney and their client and ensure that the client understands the advice and representation provided.
Authenticity refers to the genuineness or validity of a documen… #
Authenticity refers to the genuineness or validity of a document, evidence, or statement.