General Legal Terms
Understanding general legal terms is the foundation of navigating any legal system. Here are some of the most commonly used general legal terms in Latvian:
Likumdošana – Legislation: This term refers to the process of enacting laws. It encompasses all the laws passed by the legislative body in Latvia, known as the Saeima.
Likums – Law: This is the most fundamental term in the legal lexicon, referring to the rules established by the government to regulate behavior and ensure order.
Noteikumi – Regulations: These are specific rules derived from laws, detailing how the laws are to be implemented and enforced.
Normatīvais akts – Normative Act: This term covers all legal instruments, including laws, regulations, and decrees that have legal force.
Tiesu vara – Judiciary: This refers to the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state.
Tiesību akti – Legal Acts: These include all forms of legal documents such as laws, regulations, decrees, and resolutions.
Court System and Procedures
Understanding the court system and procedures is crucial for navigating legal disputes. Here are some important terms related to the Latvian court system:
Tiesa – Court: This is the term used for a court of law where disputes are adjudicated.
Tiesnesis – Judge: The person who presides over court proceedings and makes decisions based on the law.
Prokurors – Prosecutor: The legal representative who brings charges against a defendant in a criminal case.
Apsūdzētais – Defendant: The individual or entity accused of a crime or against whom a lawsuit is filed.
Aizstāvis – Defense Attorney: The lawyer representing the defendant in a legal proceeding.
Lietas izskatīšana – Trial: The process where evidence is presented in court to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
Spriedums – Verdict: The final decision made by a judge or jury on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Apelācija – Appeal: The process of challenging a court’s decision in a higher court.
Izmeklēšana – Investigation: The process of gathering facts and evidence to support or refute legal claims.
Types of Courts
Latvia has a multi-tiered court system, and understanding the different types of courts is important:
Rajona tiesa – District Court: The first instance court dealing with both civil and criminal cases.
Apelācijas tiesa – Court of Appeal: The court that hears appeals from the district courts.
Augstākā tiesa – Supreme Court: The highest court in Latvia, which handles appeals from the Court of Appeal and has the final say in legal matters.
Satversmes tiesa – Constitutional Court: This court deals with issues related to the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts.
Criminal Law Terms
Criminal law deals with offenses against the state or public. Here are some key terms in criminal law:
Noziedzība – Crime: An action or omission that constitutes an offense and is punishable by law.
Noziedznieks – Criminal: A person who has committed a crime.
Noziedzības izmeklēšana – Criminal Investigation: The process of investigating a crime to gather evidence and identify the perpetrator.
Apsūdzība – Indictment/Charge: A formal accusation that a person has committed a crime.
Tiesas process – Legal Proceedings: The process of taking legal action against someone in court.
Notiesāšana – Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
Atbrīvošana – Acquittal: A formal declaration that someone is not guilty of a criminal offense.
Sods – Punishment: The penalty imposed on someone found guilty of a crime.
Ieslodzījums – Imprisonment: The act of confining someone in a prison as a punishment for a crime.
Civil Law Terms
Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. Here are some essential civil law terms:
Civillikums – Civil Law: The body of laws governing private rights and obligations.
Līgums – Contract: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
Saistības – Obligations: The legal responsibilities that arise from contracts or other sources.
Kompensācija – Compensation: The payment given to someone for loss or injury.
Kaitējums – Damage: Harm or injury caused to someone or something.
Prasība – Claim/Lawsuit: A formal legal demand for compensation or other remedies.
Prasītājs – Plaintiff: The person who brings a lawsuit against someone else.
Atbildētājs – Defendant: The person against whom a lawsuit is filed.
Spriedums – Judgment: The final decision made by a court in a civil case.
Izpilde – Execution: The process of enforcing a court judgment.
Family Law Terms
Family law deals with matters related to family relationships. Here are some important family law terms:
Laulība – Marriage: The legally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
Laulības šķiršana – Divorce: The legal dissolution of a marriage.
Laulības līgums – Prenuptial Agreement: A contract entered into before marriage outlining the division of assets in case of divorce.
Aizbildnība – Guardianship: The legal responsibility of a person to take care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs.
Adopcija – Adoption: The legal process of taking another person’s child into one’s family.
Uzturlīdzekļi – Alimony/Child Support: Financial support paid to a spouse or child after separation or divorce.
Aizgādība – Custody: The legal right to take care of and make decisions for a child.
Property Law Terms
Property law governs the ownership and use of property. Here are some key property law terms:
Īpašums – Property: Anything owned by a person or entity, including real estate and personal belongings.
Nekustamais īpašums – Real Estate: Land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings.
Īpašuma tiesības – Property Rights: The legal rights to possess, use, and dispose of property.
Īres līgums – Lease Agreement: A contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms of renting property.
Hipotēka – Mortgage: A loan secured by the borrower’s property.
Īpašuma pārdošana – Property Sale: The process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another.
Īpašuma nodoklis – Property Tax: A tax imposed on property ownership.
Commercial Law Terms
Commercial law governs business and commercial transactions. Here are some essential commercial law terms:
Uzņēmējdarbība – Business: The activity of making, buying, or selling goods or services for profit.
Uzņēmums – Company/Enterprise: A business organization engaged in commercial activities.
Līgums – Contract: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
Partnerība – Partnership: A business arrangement where two or more individuals share ownership and profits.
Aizdevums – Loan: Money borrowed that must be repaid with interest.
Bankrots – Bankruptcy: A legal status of a person or entity unable to repay debts.
Akcijas – Shares: Units of ownership in a company.
Akcionārs – Shareholder: A person or entity that owns shares in a company.
Statūti – Articles of Association: The document that defines a company’s regulations and management structure.
Īpašnieks – Owner: The person or entity that holds ownership of a business or property.
Labor Law Terms
Labor law governs the relationship between employers and employees. Here are some key labor law terms:
Darba likums – Labor Law: The body of laws governing employment relationships.
Darba līgums – Employment Contract: A contract between an employer and employee outlining the terms of employment.
Darba devējs – Employer: The person or entity that hires employees.
Darbinieks – Employee: The person hired to perform work for an employer.
Alga – Salary: The payment made to an employee for their work.
Atlaišana – Dismissal: The termination of an employee’s employment.
Darba laiks – Working Hours: The hours during which an employee is expected to work.
Atvaļinājums – Leave: The time off work granted to an employee.
Darba apstākļi – Working Conditions: The environment and conditions in which an employee works.
Arodbiedrība – Trade Union: An organization representing the interests of employees.
Administrative Law Terms
Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. Here are some important administrative law terms:
Administratīvais akts – Administrative Act: A decision made by an administrative authority.
Administratīvā tiesa – Administrative Court: The court that deals with disputes involving administrative acts.
Licencēšana – Licensing: The process of granting a license to perform a specific activity.
Atļauja – Permit: An official document allowing someone to do something.
Regulēšana – Regulation: The act of controlling or governing according to a set of rules.
Pārvalde – Administration: The activities involved in managing and implementing laws and regulations.
Normatīvais akts – Normative Act: A legal act that establishes norms and regulations.
Kontrole – Control: The power to influence or direct behavior and events.
Sūdzība – Complaint: A formal expression of dissatisfaction with an administrative act.
Administratīvais pārkāpums – Administrative Offense: A violation of administrative law.
Conclusion
Navigating the Latvian legal system can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the language. However, understanding these commonly used legal terms can significantly ease the process. Whether you are dealing with criminal, civil, family, property, commercial, labor, or administrative law, these terms will help you understand legal documents, communicate with legal professionals, and effectively participate in legal proceedings. As you continue to learn and explore the Latvian language, incorporating these legal terms into your vocabulary will undoubtedly enhance your proficiency and confidence in handling legal matters in Latvia.
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