The legal system is a cornerstone of civil society, and its language is often as specialized as its practices. For those studying Spanish and interested in law, understanding the legal vocabulary is essential. Here’s an essential list of Spanish legal terms and their definitions, along with examples of how to use them in a sentence.

Abogado
This means lawyer or attorney, the professional authorized to represent others in legal matters.
Mi hermano es abogado y trabaja en un bufete reconocido.

Demanda
A demand or lawsuit filed in court.
El juez admitió la demanda por daños y perjuicios.

Fiscal
The prosecutor or district attorney in a criminal case.
El fiscal presentó pruebas contundentes contra el acusado.

Juez
This term refers to a judge, the official with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts.
El juez dictará sentencia la próxima semana.

Sentencia
The sentence or judgment is the declaration made by the judge on the matters brought before him/her.
La sentencia fue apelada por el abogado defensor.

Alegato
A plea or argument, especially one made by an attorney in support of a case.
El alegato final del abogado fue muy convincente.

Código Penal
The Penal Code, the set of laws relating to criminal offenses and their punishments.
El delito está tipificado en el artículo 205 del Código Penal.

Litigio
Litigation refers to the act or process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.
Las partes en litigio no llegaron a ningún acuerdo.

Testigo
A witness, someone who sees an event and reports what happened.
El testigo afirmó haber visto al sospechoso en la escena del crimen.

Derecho
Law, as in the discipline and profession of law, or a right as in a legal entitlement.
Ella estudia Derecho en la universidad.

Acuerdo
An agreement, particularly a legal one between parties.
Llegaron a un acuerdo antes de finalizar el juicio.

Apelación
An appeal, a process for requesting a formal change to an official decision.
El abogado presentó una apelación a una sentencia previa.

Prueba
Evidence or proof, the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
La prueba fue determinante para resolver el caso.

Delito
A crime, an action or omission which constitutes an offense and is punishable by law.
El robo es considerado un delito según las leyes locales.

Detención
Detention or arrest, the action of detaining someone in official custody.
La detención del sospechoso ocurrió sin incidentes.

Understanding and using these terms correctly can greatly aid anyone interacting with the Spanish legal system, whether they are professionals in the field or laypersons dealing with legal issues in a Spanish-speaking context. Familiarity with this vocabulary not only improves one’s legal Spanish but also helps in navigating legal documents, court proceedings, and discussions with legal counsel.