Learning a new language can become particularly challenging when tackling specialized vocabularies, such as those used in legal contexts. To assist with this, let’s explore some essential legal Portuguese terms and phrases, complete with definitions and examples. Whether you are a law student, a legal professional, or simply someone looking to expand your Portuguese language skills, these terms will provide a foundation for understanding and communicating in legal settings.

Advogado (lawyer, attorney)
– A professional who practices law, representing clients in legal proceedings.
Quando fui acusado, contratei um advogado para me defender no tribunal.

Juíz (judge)
– An official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
O juíz ouvirá todos os testemunhos antes de dar o veredicto.

Processo (lawsuit, case)
– A legal action or proceeding involving a plaintiff and a defendant.
Ele entrou com um processo contra a empresa por danos morais.

Lei (law)
– A rule, typically made by a government, that is used to order the way in which a society behaves.
A nova lei de trânsito entrou em vigor este mês.

Réu (defendant)
– An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
O réu permaneceu em silêncio durante todo o julgamento.

Queixa (complaint)
– A formal allegation against someone, stating that they have done something wrong.
A vítima apresentou uma queixa na delegacia.

Sentença (sentence, judgment)
– The determination of the punishment for a convicted person or the decision in a civil case.
A sentença será anunciada na próxima semana.

Testemunha (witness)
– A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, taking place.
Pediram para que a testemunha contasse exatamente o que viu.

Audiência (hearing)
– A session in which a case is heard before a judge or court, distinct from a full trial.
A próxima audiência do caso está agendada para sexta-feira.

Indiciamento (indictment)
– A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
Após a investigação, houve um indiciamento contra os diretores da empresa.

Alegação (allegation)
– A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.
O político desmentiu todas as alegações durante a coletiva de imprensa.

Recurso (appeal)
– A formal request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
Eles deram entrada no recurso para tentar reverter a decisão da primeira instância.

Acusação (accusation, charge)
– The act of claiming that someone has done something wrong.
A acusação fez com que ele perdesse o apoio de seus colegas.

Contrato (contract)
– A written or spoken agreement that is intended to be enforceable by law.
Antes de assinar, li todo o contrato cuidadosamente.

Inquérito (inquiry, investigation)
– A formal investigation conducted to establish the facts of a case.
O inquérito policial durou vários meses.

Understanding these terms enables learners to navigate through the intricate world of legal Portuguese. Mastery of such specialized vocabulary can enhance communication with clients, colleagues, and legal professionals for those targeting proficiency within the legal field or seeking to understand the justice system in Portuguese-speaking countries.