Italian Legal Vocabulary

Learning legal vocabulary in a new language can be quite a challenge. When it comes to Italian, this task doesn’t only require memorization but also an understanding of Italy’s legal system. Here are some essential legal terms in Italian that will definitely enrich your vocabulary.

Avvocato
Meaning ‘lawyer’ in English, an avvocato is a professional licensed to practice law, and can represent clients in court.
Ho incontrato il mio avvocato oggi per discutere del caso.

Imputato
This term means ‘defendant’, the individual accused of a crime in a court law.
L’imputato ha negato tutte le accuse contro di lui.

Querela
A querela is a ‘criminal complaint’ or ‘lawsuit’, typically filed by an individual or organization alleging a crime.
La vittima ha presentato una querela contro l’aggressore.

Testamento
This word translates to ‘will’ or ‘testament’, a legal document by which a person expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed at death.
Il nonno ha lasciato un testamento prima di morire.

Diritto
This is the Italian equivalent of ‘law’ or ‘right’. It can refer to the legal system or to the specific legal rights of an individual.
Ogni cittadino ha il diritto di votare.

Sentenza
Meaning ‘judgment’ or ‘sentence’, this term refers to the final decision made by a judge in a court case.
La sentenza sarà pronunciata dal giudice domani.

Procura
This is a ‘power of attorney’, a legal document authorizing one person to act on another’s behalf.
Ho dato procura al mio avvocato per gestire i miei affari legali.

Ricorso
This means ‘appeal’, an application to a higher court for a decision to be reversed.
Abbiamo presentato un ricorso contro la decisione del tribunale.

Testimone
The Italian for ‘witness’, a person who gives testimony, often in a court of law.
Il testimone ha fornito un resoconto dettagliato degli eventi.

Fallimento
This term means ‘bankruptcy’, a legal proceeding involving a person or business unable to repay outstanding debts.
La società ha dichiarato fallimento dopo anni di perdite finanziarie.

Codice Civile
Refers to the ‘Civil Code’, the comprehensive system of private law within Italy.
Lo studio legale è specializzato nel Codice Civile italiano.

Contratto
This translates to ‘contract’, an agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law.
Abbiamo firmato un contratto di locazione per la nuova casa.

Giuslavorista
This is a ‘labor law attorney’, a lawyer who specializes in employment law.
Il giuslavorista ha aiutato i dipendenti a comprendere i loro diritti.

Understanding these terms not only helps in understanding the law, but also enhances your ability to discuss legal matters in Italian with confidence. Whether you’re studying law, involved in legal matters, or simply expanding your vocabulary, these words provide a solid foundation in the language of Italian law.