Basic Legal Terms

Understanding basic legal terms is the first step in familiarizing yourself with Romanian legal language. These terms are often used in various contexts and serve as foundational knowledge.

1. **Lege** – *Law*
The term “lege” is fundamental and refers to any law that has been enacted by the legislative body. For example, “Legea educației” refers to the Education Law.

2. **Cod** – *Code*
“Cod” is used to denote a comprehensive set of laws that cover a particular area, such as the “Codul Civil” (Civil Code) or “Codul Penal” (Penal Code).

3. **Regulament** – *Regulation*
This term refers to rules or directives made and maintained by an authority. For instance, “Regulamentul de ordine interioară” means Internal Regulations.

4. **Decret** – *Decree*
A “decret” is an official order issued by a legal authority. It is similar to an executive order in the United States.

5. **Ordonanță** – *Ordinance*
This term is used for an authoritative order or a decree, particularly one issued by a municipality.

6. **Hotărâre** – *Decision*
“Hotărâre” refers to a decision or resolution passed by a legal authority, such as the government or a court. For example, “Hotărârea Guvernului” translates to Government Decision.

Court-Related Terms

Legal proceedings and courts have their own set of terminologies. Understanding these can help you navigate through legal documents and courtrooms more effectively.

1. **Judecător** – *Judge*
The term “judecător” refers to a judge, the official who presides over court proceedings.

2. **Procuror** – *Prosecutor*
A “procuror” is a legal official who initiates legal proceedings and is responsible for presenting the case against an individual in a criminal trial.

3. **Avocat** – *Lawyer*
“Avocat” is the term for a lawyer or attorney, a professional who is qualified to offer legal advice and represent clients in legal matters.

4. **Martor** – *Witness*
“Martor” refers to a witness, someone who provides testimony in a court case.

5. **Instanță** – *Court*
“Instanță” is the term used for a court of law. It can be further specified as “Instanță de judecată” for a court of justice.

6. **Tribunal** – *Tribunal*
This term is often used interchangeably with “instanță,” though it generally refers to higher courts, such as “Tribunalul București” (Bucharest Tribunal).

7. **Curte** – *Court*
“Curte” can refer to a court, particularly in the context of higher courts like “Curtea Constituțională” (Constitutional Court).

8. **Proces** – *Trial/Proceeding*
“Proces” refers to a legal proceeding or trial. For example, “proces penal” means a criminal trial.

9. **Sentință** – *Sentence*
“Sentință” is the term for the judgment or sentence given by a court.

Documents and Evidence

Legal documents and evidence are crucial components of any legal process. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you understand what each document or piece of evidence represents.

1. **Contract** – *Contract*
A “contract” is a written or spoken agreement that is enforceable by law.

2. **Act** – *Document/Deed*
“Act” refers to a formal written document. For example, “act de identitate” means an identity document.

3. **Dovadă** – *Proof/Evidence*
“Dovadă” is the term for proof or evidence used to support a legal claim.

4. **Declarație** – *Declaration*
A “declarație” is a formal statement or declaration, often given under oath.

5. **Aviz** – *Opinion/Notice*
“Aviz” can mean an official opinion or a notice, particularly in the context of legal or administrative matters.

6. **Dosar** – *File/Case File*
“Dosar” refers to a file or case file containing all documents related to a particular legal matter.

Criminal Law Terms

Criminal law has its own set of terminologies that are essential for understanding charges, defenses, and legal procedures.

1. **Infracțiune** – *Offense/Crime*
The term “infracțiune” refers to a criminal offense or crime.

2. **Delict** – *Misdemeanor*
A “delict” is a less serious crime, equivalent to a misdemeanor.

3. **Crimă** – *Crime*
“Crimă” is used for serious crimes, such as murder.

4. **Inculpat** – *Defendant*
“Inculpat” refers to the defendant in a criminal case.

5. **Victimă** – *Victim*
“Victimă” is the term for a victim of a crime.

6. **Arestare** – *Arrest*
“Arestare” refers to the act of arresting someone.

7. **Detenție** – *Detention*
“Detenție” is the term for detention or imprisonment.

8. **Condamnare** – *Conviction*
“Condamnare” refers to the act of convicting someone of a crime.

Civil Law Terms

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals and organizations. These terms are crucial for understanding civil legal matters.

1. **Reclamant** – *Plaintiff*
The term “reclamant” refers to the plaintiff, the person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

2. **Pârât** – *Defendant*
“Pârât” is the term for the defendant in a civil case.

3. **Despăgubiri** – *Damages/Compensation*
“Despăgubiri” refers to damages or compensation awarded to a plaintiff.

4. **Contract de vânzare-cumpărare** – *Sale-Purchase Agreement*
This term refers to a legal contract for the sale and purchase of goods or property.

5. **Testament** – *Will/Testament*
“Testament” is the term for a will, a legal document by which a person expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed after their death.

6. **Moștenire** – *Inheritance*
“Moștenire” refers to inheritance, the assets passed down from a deceased person to their heirs.

7. **Garanție** – *Guarantee/Warranty*
“Garanție” can refer to a guarantee or a warranty in a legal context.

Family Law Terms

Family law addresses issues related to family relationships, such as marriage, divorce, and child custody.

1. **Căsătorie** – *Marriage*
The term “căsătorie” refers to marriage.

2. **Divorț** – *Divorce*
“Divorț” is the term for divorce.

3. **Custodie** – *Custody*
“Custodie” refers to the legal right to take care of a child.

4. **Pensia alimentară** – *Alimony/Child Support*
This term refers to financial support given to a spouse or child after a divorce.

5. **Adopție** – *Adoption*
“Adopție” is the term for the legal process of adopting a child.

Commercial Law Terms

Commercial law covers issues related to business and commerce, including contracts, sales, and corporate law.

1. **Societate** – *Company/Corporation*
The term “societate” refers to a company or corporation.

2. **Acționar** – *Shareholder*
“Acționar” is the term for a shareholder, someone who owns shares in a company.

3. **Contract de muncă** – *Employment Contract*
This term refers to a legal agreement between an employer and an employee.

4. **Faliment** – *Bankruptcy*
“Faliment” is the term for bankruptcy.

5. **Licență** – *License*
“Licență” refers to a legal permit to do something, such as operate a business.

6. **Brevete** – *Patents*
“Brevete” is the term for patents, which are exclusive rights granted for an invention.

Property Law Terms

Property law deals with the ownership and use of property, including real estate and personal property.

1. **Proprietate** – *Property*
The term “proprietate” refers to property in general.

2. **Imobil** – *Real Estate/Immovable Property*
“Imobil” is the term for real estate or immovable property.

3. **Teren** – *Land*
“Teren” refers to land.

4. **Titlu de proprietate** – *Title Deed*
This term refers to a legal document proving ownership of property.

5. **Chirie** – *Rent*
“Chirie” is the term for rent.

6. **Ipotecă** – *Mortgage*
“Ipotecă” refers to a mortgage, a loan secured by real property.

Administrative Law Terms

Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government.

1. **Autorizație** – *Authorization/Permit*
The term “autorizație” refers to an official permission or permit.

2. **Licențiere** – *Licensing*
“Licențiere” is the process of granting licenses.

3. **Contestație** – *Appeal/Contest*
“Contestație” refers to an appeal or contestation of a decision.

4. **Inspecție** – *Inspection*
“Inspecție” is the term for an official examination or inspection.

5. **Aviz favorabil** – *Favorable Opinion/Approval*
This term refers to an official approval or favorable opinion.

Constitutional Law Terms

Constitutional law deals with the principles and rules established by the constitution of a country.

1. **Constituție** – *Constitution*
The term “constituție” refers to the fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

2. **Drepturi fundamentale** – *Fundamental Rights*
“Drepturi fundamentale” are the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.

3. **Curtea Constituțională** – *Constitutional Court*
This term refers to the court that interprets the constitution and ensures laws comply with it.

4. **Amendament** – *Amendment*
“Amendament” is the term for a change or addition to the constitution.

5. **Referendum** – *Referendum*
“Referendum” is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question.

Understanding these terms can significantly improve your ability to navigate the legal landscape in Romania. Whether you are dealing with contracts, court proceedings, or legal documents, having a grasp of these commonly used legal terms will undoubtedly be beneficial. Legal language can be complex, but with this guide, you are better equipped to handle legal matters in the Romanian context.