General Legal Terms

Kanun – Law: This is perhaps one of the most fundamental words in the legal lexicon. “Kanun” refers to any law or statute that has been formally enacted by the legislative body.

Adalet – Justice: A cornerstone of any legal system, “adalet” refers to the concept of justice, fairness, and the administration of the law.

Mahkeme – Court: This term is used to refer to a court of law where legal cases are heard and decided.

Yargı – Judiciary: “Yargı” refers to the judicial branch of the government, encompassing all the courts and judges.

Hukuk – Law (as a field of study): If you are studying law, you are studying “hukuk.” This term can also refer to legal principles and the legal system in general.

People in the Legal System

Hakim – Judge: The person who presides over court proceedings and makes decisions based on the law.

Avukat – Lawyer: A legal professional who represents clients in legal matters.

Savcı – Prosecutor: The lawyer who represents the state or the public in criminal cases, responsible for presenting the case against the accused.

Sanık – Defendant: The person accused of a crime or against whom a lawsuit is filed.

Tanık – Witness: A person who gives testimony in a court of law.

Legal Procedures and Documents

Dava – Lawsuit: A legal case brought before a court.

İddianame – Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Karar – Verdict/Judgment: The decision made by a judge or jury in a court case.

Temyiz – Appeal: The process of asking a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

Soruşturma – Investigation: The process of gathering evidence and information to determine whether a crime has been committed.

Sözleşme – Contract: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

İfade – Testimony: A formal written or spoken statement given in a court of law.

Delil – Evidence: Material or information presented in court to prove or disprove allegations.

Şikayet – Complaint: A formal statement alleging that someone has committed a wrong or a crime.

Criminal Law Terms

Suç – Crime: An act that is prohibited by law and punishable by the state.

Ceza – Penalty/Punishment: The legal consequence imposed for committing a crime.

Hapis – Imprisonment: The state of being confined in prison as a punishment for a crime.

Mahkum – Convict: A person found guilty of a crime and sentenced by a court.

Kovuşturma – Prosecution: The process of conducting legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge.

Tevkif – Detention: The act of holding someone in custody, usually while awaiting trial.

Kefalet – Bail: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.

Civil Law Terms

Davacı – Plaintiff: The person who initiates a lawsuit in civil court.

Davalı – Defendant (Civil): The person against whom a civil lawsuit is filed.

Tazminat – Compensation: Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for loss or injury.

Boşanma – Divorce: The legal dissolution of a marriage.

Velayet – Custody: The legal right to take care of a child, often discussed in divorce cases.

Miras – Inheritance: The property or assets passed down to heirs after someone’s death.

Vasiyet – Will: A legal document outlining how a person’s property should be distributed after their death.

Kiracı – Tenant: A person who rents property from a landlord.

Kira Sözleşmesi – Lease Agreement: A contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms of the rental arrangement.

Business and Commercial Law Terms

Şirket – Company: A business organization that operates for profit.

Ortaklık – Partnership: A business arrangement in which two or more individuals share ownership and responsibilities.

Hisse Senedi – Share/Stock: A unit of ownership in a company.

İflas – Bankruptcy: The legal state of being unable to repay debts.

Fesih – Termination: The act of ending a contract or agreement.

Ticaret – Commerce/Trade: The activity of buying and selling goods and services.

Marka – Trademark: A symbol, word, or words legally registered to represent a company or product.

Patent – Patent: A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.

Family Law Terms

Evlat Edinme – Adoption: The legal process of taking another’s child into one’s family and raising them as one’s own.

Vasi – Guardian: A person who is legally responsible for someone unable to manage their own affairs, especially a minor.

Mal Rejimi – Matrimonial Property Regime: The system governing the ownership and management of property acquired during marriage.

Nafaka – Alimony: Financial support that one spouse is ordered to pay to the other after a divorce.

Babalık Davası – Paternity Suit: A legal action to determine the father of a child.

Human Rights and International Law Terms

İnsan Hakları – Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to.

Mülteci – Refugee: A person who has been forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Sığınma – Asylum: Protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

Uluslararası Hukuk – International Law: The set of rules generally regarded and accepted as binding in relations between states and nations.

Savaş Suçu – War Crime: A serious violation of the laws and customs of war.

İşkence – Torture: The act of deliberately inflicting severe physical or psychological pain on someone as punishment or to obtain information.

Property Law Terms

Gayrimenkul – Real Estate: Property consisting of land and the buildings on it.

Tapu – Title Deed: A legal document proving a person’s right to property ownership.

Kiraya Vermek – To Rent Out: The act of leasing property to a tenant.

İpotek – Mortgage: A loan in which property or real estate is used as collateral.

Emlak – Property: Refers to real estate or immovable property.

Arsa – Land: A plot of ground, often used for building purposes.

Intellectual Property Law Terms

Telif Hakkı – Copyright: The exclusive legal right, given to the creator of an original work, to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material.

Tasarım – Design: A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of a product before it is made.

Fikri Mülkiyet – Intellectual Property: A category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect.

Lisans – License: A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.

Additional Useful Legal Terms

Uzlaşma – Settlement: An agreement reached between parties in a lawsuit, often out of court.

Arabuluculuk – Mediation: A method of dispute resolution involving a neutral third party who helps the disputing parties find a mutually acceptable solution.

Kararname – Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.

Yasal – Legal: Permitted by law.

Yasadışı – Illegal: Forbidden by law.

Yetki – Authority: The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Yürürlük – Enforcement: The act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.

Yasama – Legislation: The act of making or enacting laws.

Yürütme – Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Denetim – Audit: An official inspection of an organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body.

İdari – Administrative: Relating to the running of a business, organization, etc.

Learning these terms will not only improve your Turkish vocabulary but also give you a deeper understanding of the Turkish legal system. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better navigate legal documents, understand court proceedings, and communicate more effectively with legal professionals. Whether you are dealing with a legal issue in Turkey or simply expanding your linguistic horizons, this comprehensive guide will serve as a valuable resource.