Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and for those interested in the legal field, acquiring specific vocabulary can be particularly beneficial. Romanian, as a Romance language spoken by millions in Romania and Moldova, has a rich legal vocabulary that is essential for anyone looking to work or study in a law-related field in these regions. This article provides an extensive list of legal and law-related vocabulary in Romanian, complete with context and usage to help you expand your language skills effectively.

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Basic Legal Terms

Lege (law) is a fundamental term in any legal vocabulary. In Romanian, you might hear:
– “Respectarea legii este obligatorie pentru toți cetățenii.”

Avocat (lawyer) is another essential term:
– “Am programare la avocat să discutăm despre cazul meu.”

Judecător (judge) – a key figure in the judicial system:
– “Judecătorul va lua o decizie săptămâna viitoare.”

Proces (trial) – where legal disputes are resolved:
– “Procesul va fi transmis live pentru public.”

Drept (right) – refers to legal entitlements:
– “Fiecare cetățean are dreptul la un proces echitabil.”

Constituție (constitution) – the fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed:
– “Constituția României a fost modificată ultima dată în 2003.”

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Criminal Law Vocabulary

Infracțiune (crime) – an action or omission that constitutes an offense:
– “Furtul este considerat o infracțiune gravă.”

Victimă (victim) – a person harmed by a crime:
– “Victima a fost transportată la spital imediat.”

Martor (witness) – someone who saw the crime happen:
– “Martorii sunt rugați să depună mărturie.”

Sentință (sentence) – the punishment assigned to a convicted person:
– “Sentința va fi anunțată mâine de dimineață.”

Apărare (defense) – the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused:
– “Avocatul a prezentat o apărare solidă.”

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Civil Law Vocabulary

Contract (contract) – a written or spoken agreement:
– “Am semnat un contract de închiriere pentru doi ani.”

Proprietate (property) – something owned:
– “Această casă este proprietatea mea.”

Plângere (complaint) – a formal statement about a wrongdoing:
– “Vecinul a depus o plângere la poliție.”

Daune (damages) – money claimed by, or ordered to be paid to, a person as compensation for loss or injury:
– “Curtea a acordat daune morale în valoare de 5000 de lei.”

Obligație (obligation) – an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound:
– “Fiecare cetățean are obligația de a respecta legile.”

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Legal Procedures and Documents

Cerere (application) – a formal request to an authority:
– “Am completat o cerere pentru eliberarea pașaportului.”

Decizie (decision) – a conclusion reached after consideration:
– “Curtea a emis o decizie finală în acest caz.”

Hotărâre (resolution) – a firm decision to do something:
– “Guvernul a luat o hotărâre pentru îmbunătățirea infrastructurii.”

Legislație (legislation) – laws considered collectively:
– “Noile legislații vor intra în vigoare de la 1 ianuarie.”

Testament (will) – a legal document by which a person expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed after their death:
– “Bunicul meu și-a exprimat dorințele într-un testament clar.”

By familiarizing yourself with these legal terms and phrases, you can greatly enhance your understanding of Romanian legal documents, participate in conversations about law, and increase your professional competency in legal contexts. Whether you are a law student, a practitioner, or simply interested in law, these terms provide a solid foundation for your Romanian legal vocabulary.