Basic Legal Terms
Understanding the fundamental legal vocabulary is crucial for anyone delving into legal texts or engaging in legal discussions. Here are some of the most essential terms:
Заң (Zang) – This is the Kazakh word for “law.” It is a fundamental term that you will encounter frequently in any legal context. For example, “Қазақстан Республикасының заңы” means “Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
Құқық (Kūqyq) – This term translates to “right” or “law” and is often used in contexts relating to legal rights. For example, “Адам құқықтары” means “human rights.”
Сот (Sot) – This word means “court.” It is used in various contexts, such as “Жоғарғы сот” (Supreme Court) and “Сот отырысы” (court session).
Сот төрелігі (Sot töreligi) – This phrase means “judiciary” or “judicial system.” It refers to the entire system of courts in Kazakhstan.
Сот шешімі (Sot sheshimi) – This translates to “court decision” or “judgment.” It is a crucial term in understanding court outcomes.
Legal Processes and Documents
When dealing with legal matters, understanding the processes and the documents involved is essential. Here are some key terms:
Құжат (Qūjat) – This word means “document.” Legal processes often involve various types of documents, such as “шарт” (contract) and “өтініш” (application).
Шарт (Shart) – This term translates to “contract” or “agreement.” Contracts are fundamental in legal transactions, and this term is indispensable.
Өтініш (Ötinish) – This word means “application” or “petition.” It is commonly used in legal contexts where formal requests are made.
Талап (Talap) – This term means “claim” or “demand.” It is often used in legal complaints and lawsuits.
Дәлел (Dälel) – This translates to “evidence.” In legal contexts, evidence is crucial for proving or disproving claims.
Criminal Law Terms
Criminal law has its own set of terminology, which is vital for understanding legal proceedings and documents related to criminal cases:
Қылмыс (Qylmys) – This word means “crime.” It is a fundamental term in criminal law.
Қылмыскер (Qylmysker) – This term translates to “criminal.” It refers to a person who has committed a crime.
Жаза (Jaza) – This word means “punishment.” It is often used in contexts such as “қылмыстық жаза” (criminal punishment).
Тергеу (Tergew) – This term means “investigation.” Criminal investigations are a crucial part of the legal process.
Айып (Aiyp) – This word translates to “accusation” or “charge.” It is used in legal contexts where someone is formally accused of a crime.
Civil Law Terms
Civil law encompasses a wide range of legal issues that are not criminal in nature. Here are some key terms:
Азаматтық (Azamattıq) – This term means “civil.” It is used in contexts such as “азаматтық құқық” (civil law).
Талапкер (Talapker) – This word translates to “plaintiff.” It refers to the person who brings a case to court in civil law.
Жауапкер (Jauapker) – This term means “defendant.” It refers to the person against whom a case is brought in civil law.
Мүлік (Mülik) – This word translates to “property.” It is often used in contexts relating to property rights and disputes.
Келісім (Kelisіm) – This term means “agreement.” It is used in various legal contexts, such as “келісім шарт” (contract agreement).
Family Law Terms
Family law deals with legal issues related to family relationships. Here are some important terms:
Неке (Neke) – This word means “marriage.” It is a fundamental term in family law.
Ажырасу (Ažyrasu) – This term translates to “divorce.” It is used in legal contexts where a marriage is legally dissolved.
Бала асырап алу (Bala asyrap alu) – This phrase means “adoption.” It is used in contexts where a child is legally taken into a family.
Алимент (Aliment) – This word translates to “alimony” or “child support.” It is used in legal contexts where financial support is provided following a divorce.
Қамқоршылық (Qamqorşılıq) – This term means “guardianship.” It refers to the legal responsibility for the care of a minor or incapacitated person.
Business Law Terms
Business law covers legal issues related to business activities. Here are some key terms:
Кәсіпкерлік (Käsіpkerlіk) – This word means “entrepreneurship” or “business.” It is used in contexts relating to business activities and enterprises.
Компания (Kompaniya) – This term translates to “company.” It is a fundamental term in business law.
Акционерлік қоғам (Aktsionerlik qoğam) – This phrase means “joint-stock company.” It is used in contexts relating to companies whose capital is divided into shares.
Лицензия (Litsenziya) – This word translates to “license.” It is used in legal contexts where permission is granted to engage in a particular business activity.
Салық (Salyq) – This term means “tax.” It is a crucial term in understanding business obligations.
Administrative Law Terms
Administrative law deals with the actions and operations of government agencies. Here are some important terms:
Әкімшілік (Äkimşilik) – This word means “administrative.” It is used in contexts such as “әкімшілік құқық” (administrative law).
Шешім (Sheshim) – This term translates to “decision.” It is often used in the context of administrative decisions made by government agencies.
Жарғы (Jarğı) – This word means “charter.” It refers to a legal document that outlines the organization and rules of a government agency or organization.
Рұқсат (Rūqsat) – This term translates to “permission” or “authorization.” It is used in legal contexts where official approval is required.
Әкімшілік жаза (Äkimşilik jaza) – This phrase means “administrative penalty.” It refers to penalties imposed for administrative violations.
International Law Terms
International law deals with legal issues that cross national boundaries. Here are some key terms:
Халықаралық (Halıqaralıq) – This word means “international.” It is used in contexts such as “халықаралық құқық” (international law).
Келісімшарт (Kelіsіmşart) – This term translates to “treaty” or “agreement.” It refers to formal agreements between countries.
Конвенция (Konventsiya) – This word means “convention.” It refers to international agreements or treaties.
Елшілік (Elşіlіk) – This term translates to “embassy.” It refers to the diplomatic mission of one country in another country.
Құқықтық көмек (Qūqyqtıq kömek) – This phrase means “legal assistance.” It refers to help provided in legal matters, often in an international context.
Practical Usage
To effectively use these legal terms in Kazakh, it is essential to understand their practical application. Here are some tips:
1. **Context is Key**: Legal terms can have different meanings depending on the context. Always consider the surrounding text or conversation to understand the precise meaning.
2. **Practice with Real Documents**: Reading actual legal documents, such as contracts, court decisions, and laws, can help you see how these terms are used in practice.
3. **Use Legal Dictionaries**: Specialized legal dictionaries can provide more detailed definitions and examples of usage.
4. **Engage in Legal Discussions**: Participating in discussions or forums related to Kazakh law can help reinforce your understanding and usage of these terms.
5. **Seek Professional Guidance**: If you are dealing with complex legal matters, consulting with a legal professional who is fluent in Kazakh can provide clarity and ensure accurate usage.
Conclusion
Mastering legal terminology in Kazakh is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By familiarizing yourself with these commonly used terms and their contexts, you can navigate legal texts and discussions with greater confidence. Whether you are a legal professional, a student, or simply a language enthusiast, understanding these terms will enhance your comprehension and communication skills in the realm of Kazakh legal language.

