Learning legal vocabulary in Arabic can be an essential skill for anyone working or studying within the legal field in the Arab world, as well as for individuals needing to navigate legal systems in Arabic-speaking countries. Below are some key legal terms in Arabic along with their definitions and example sentences to help you get started.
قانون (Qānūn) – Law
The term قانون refers to the system of rules that are recognized by a particular country or community as regulating the actions of its members.
سيتم تطبيق القانون بصرامة.
(The law will be strictly applied.)
محامي (Muḥāmī) – Lawyer
A محامي is an individual who is qualified to advise people about the law and represent them in court.
استعنتُ بمحامي لمراجعة عقد العمل.
(I consulted a lawyer to review the employment contract.)
عقد (ʿAqd) – Contract
An عقد is a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
يجب أن يحتوي العقد على تواقيع الطرفين.
(The contract must contain the signatures of both parties.)
حق (Ḥaqq) – Right
The word حق refers to a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
لكل فرد الحق في التعبير عن رأيه.
(Every individual has the right to express their opinion.)
محكمة (Maḥkama) – Court
A محكمة is an institution that the government sets up to settle disputes through a legal process.
سيُعقد الاستماع القادم في المحكمة المحلية.
(The next hearing will be held at the local court.)
دعوى (Daʿwā’) – Lawsuit
The term دعوى refers to a claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
رفعت شركة الدعوى ضد المنافسين.
(The company filed a lawsuit against its competitors.)
شهادة (Shahāda) – Testimony
شهادة is evidence or a statement given by a witness under oath in a court of law.
قدّم الشاهد شهادته أمام القاضي.
(The witness gave his testimony in front of the judge.)
قضية (Qaḍiyya) – Case
A قضية is a particular instance of a legal or judicial matter under consideration.
ناقش المحامون تفاصيل القضية.
(The lawyers discussed the details of the case.)
حكم (Ḥukm) – Verdict
A حكم is the decision of a jury or judge in a court case.
أعلن القاضي الحكم في نهاية المحاكمة.
(The judge announced the verdict at the end of the trial.)
تشريع (Tashrīʿ) – Legislation
تشريع refers to the process of making or enacting laws.
صدر تشريع جديد يحد من انبعاثات الكربون.
(New legislation was issued to limit carbon emissions.)
جريمة (Jarīma) – Crime
A جريمة is an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law.
تم القبض على الجاني بعد ارتكاب الجريمة.
(The perpetrator was arrested after committing the crime.)
دفاع (Difāʿ) – Defense
The word دفاع refers to the act of defending against a charge in a court of law.
قدّم فريق الدفاع حججهم الرئيسية.
(The defense team presented its main arguments.)
استئناف (Isti’nāf) – Appeal
An استئناف is the process by which cases are reviewed by a higher authority or court from a lower court’s decision.
قرر الطاعن تقديم استئناف ضد الحكم.
(The appellant decided to file an appeal against the decision.)
These are just a few terms from the vast array of Arabic legal vocabulary, but mastering them will provide a solid foundation for anyone interested in the study or practice of law in Arabic-speaking regions. Remember, understanding legal terminology not only boosts your language skills but also helps navigate through complex judicial processes.