Understanding the language of the law can be complex in any culture. For learners of the Ukrainian language, familiarizing oneself with legal and law-related vocabulary is a crucial step towards achieving fluency, particularly for those interested in law, politics, or business within a Ukrainian context. Here is a selection of pivotal legal Ukrainian terms and phrases accompanied by their definitions and contextual examples.
Закон (Zakon) – Law
A rule or set of rules, enforceable by the judiciary, governing the conduct of people within a state or community.
Цей закон було прийнято у відповідь на громадські протести.
Адвокат (Advokat) – Attorney/Lawyer
A professional who advises clients on legal matters and represents them in court.
Мій адвокат добре підготувався до справи.
Суд (Sud) – Court
An institution that administers justice under the law, often by a judge or judges.
Справа буде розглядатися в суді наступного тижня.
Вердикт (Verdykt) – Verdict
A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
Вердикт присяжних був одностайний.
Захист (Zakhyst) – Defense
The case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit.
Адвокат надав сильний захист свого клієнта.
Позов (Pozov) – Lawsuit/Claim
A legal case brought to a court of law in which a plaintiff seeks a remedy from a defendant for some harm or injury caused.
Компанія подала позов проти недобросовісного контрактора.
Кримінальний (Kryminalnyi) – Criminal
Relating to crime or the administration of penal law.
Кримінальні справи часто висвітлюються у пресі.
Доказ (Dokaz) – Evidence
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Суд вимагає додаткові докази для підтвердження ваших слів.
Прокурор (Prokuror) – Prosecutor
A public official who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state.
Прокурор висунув звинувачення в корупції.
Свідок (Svidok) – Witness
A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
Поліція опитує свідка злочину.
Застава (Zastava) – Bail
Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody to ensure their appearance on the day and time appointed.
Суддя встановив розмір застави в п’ять тисяч гривень.
Угода (Uhoda) – Agreement/Deal
An arrangement that is accepted by all parties to a transaction.
Вони досягли угоди після довгих переговорів.
Learning these keywords is a stepping stone towards better understanding Ukrainian legal texts, media, and conversations that involve law and governance. Whether you aim to practice law in Ukraine, engage in business transactions, or simply broaden your legal vocabulary, these terms will serve as a foundation for a deeper comprehension of Ukrainian legal procedures and principles. Remember, language reflects culture, and in the realm of law, it is the bedrock of civil society.