Learning a new language often involves getting acquainted with a wide array of subjects and the specific vocabulary they entail. For those interested in the legal field or looking to boost their language skills with specialized terms, knowing legal and law-related terms is crucial. In this context, let’s explore some essential legal and law-related terms in Afrikaans, complete with definitions and example sentences to help bolster your understanding.

Wet
In Afrikaans, the word “wet” refers to “law” or “act” in the context of written legislation passed by a legal authority.
Die nuwe wet verbied rook in openbare geboue.

Advokaat
The term “advokaat” is similar to the English word “advocate” or “lawyer” and denotes a professional who is qualified to offer legal advice and represent individuals in court.
Sy is ‘n advokaat wat in handelsreg spesialiseer.

Regter
“Regter” translates to “judge,” an official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
Die regter het die hofsaak uitgestel tot volgende maand.

Hof
“Hof” is the Afrikaans word for “court,” referring to the place where legal trials and hearings are conducted.
Die beskuldigde sal môre in die hof verskyn.

Geregtigheid
The concept of “justice” is described as “geregtigheid” in Afrikaans.
Geregtigheid moet vir alle burgers dien.

Saak
In legal terms, “saak” translates to “case,” pertaining to a matter brought before a judge or legal tribunal.
Die prokureur werk aan ‘n baie ingewikkelde saak.

Getuie
Similar to the English word “witness,” “getuie” refers to a person who gives testimony in a court of law.
Die getuie het ‘n duidelike verklaring van die gebeure gegee.

Klag
“Klag” equates to “charge” or “complaint” in English, signifying the formal assertion of wrongdoing in a legal context.
Die klag teen die verdagte is vandag ingedien.

Verhoor
The term “verhoor” represents a “trial,” the formal examination of evidence in a court of law to determine the innocence or guilt of the accused.
Die verhoor is geskeduleer om volgende week te begin.

Beskuldigde
In legal proceedings, “beskuldigde” corresponds to the “accused” or “defendant” – the person charged with a crime.
Die beskuldigde het skuld ontken op alle aanklagte.

Vonnis
The word “vonnis” translates to “sentence” in the context of the punishment assigned by a court to someone who has been convicted of a crime.
Die vonnis van die hof was vyf jaar gevangenisstraf.

Kontrak
“Kontrak” simply means “contract,” a binding agreement between two or more parties enforceable by law.
Hulle het ‘n kontrak geteken om die verkoop van die huis te finaliseer.

Wetboek
The term “wetboek” stands for “code” or “statute book,” a systematic collection of laws and regulations.
Die wetenskaplike het die wetboek geraadpleeg voordat hy regsadvies gegee het.

Aanklaer
An “aanklaer” denotes a “prosecutor,” an individual who conducts legal proceedings against someone accused of a crime.
Die aanklaer het sterk bewyse voorgelê in die saak.

Learning these key legal and law-related terms in Afrikaans can be quite beneficial for students, legal professionals, or anyone interested in understanding more about the legal system in an Afrikaans-speaking environment. Mastery of such specialized vocabulary can not only enhance your language abilities but also provide valuable insights into the legal culture and practices of Afrikaans-speaking regions.