Legal terms and language can often be confusing, especially if one is dealing with documents or situations in a foreign language. For English speakers learning Dutch, understanding specific legal vocabulary is crucial for various professional and personal interactions. This article provides an overview of essential Dutch legal terms along with their definitions and example sentences to aid in comprehension and usage.
Advocaat – Lawyer or Attorney.
De advocaat verdedigde de beklaagde tijdens het proces.
An advocaat is a professional licensed to practice law and provide legal advice. In the Netherlands, advocaten can represent clients in court and offer legal guidance across various domains.
Rechtbank – Court.
De zaak wordt volgende week voor de rechtbank gebracht.
A rechtbank is the place where legal cases are heard and justice is administered. It encompasses everything from local courts to national judicial systems.
Gedaagde – Defendant.
De gedaagde ontkent alle beschuldigingen tegen hem.
The gedaagde is an individual, company, or institution against whom a legal action is brought in a court of law.
Eiser – Plaintiff.
De eiser eist een schadevergoeding voor het geleden verlies.
This term refers to the person who initiates a lawsuit against another in the hope of obtaining a judicial decision in their favor.
Vonnis – Verdict or Judgment.
Het vonnis zal morgen door de rechter worden uitgesproken.
A vonnis is the decision made by a judge or jury regarding the outcome of a case.
Wet – Law.
Volgens de wet moet elke burger belasting betalen.
Wet encompasses the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.
Overeenkomst – Agreement or Contract.
Zij ondertekenden een overeenkomst tot de koop van het huis.
An overeenkomst is a formally drafted agreement between two or more parties that is legally binding.
Schadevergoeding – Compensation or Damages.
Hij ontving een schadevergoeding na het arbeidsongeval.
Schadevergoeding is a payment awarded to a person as a recompense for loss or injury sustained.
Overtreding – Violation or Offense.
De politie bekeurde hem voor een snelheidsovertreding.
An overtreding refers to the breach of a law or rule; it can result in a penalty or fine depending on the severity of the act.
Getuige – Witness.
De getuige verklaarde wat hij op de plaats van het misdrijf had gezien.
A getuige is someone who saw something happen (e.g., a crime) and can provide a first-hand account of what they witnessed.
Aanklager – Prosecutor.
De aanklager beschuldigt de verdachte van diefstal.
An aanklager is a legal official who brings a case against someone in a criminal court.
Verdediging – Defense.
De verdediging voerde aan dat er onvoldoende bewijs was.
Verdediging in a legal context refers to the argument or strategy developed by a lawyer or defendant to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution during a trial.
Proces – Trial.
Het proces tegen de voormalige minister begint volgende maand.
A proces is the formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically with a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.
Verdachte – Suspect.
De verdachte werd opgepakt in de buurt van het misdaadtoneel.
Verdachte refers to a person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense and is being investigated or tried.
Beroep – Appeal.
De veroordeelde ging in beroep tegen de uitspraak van de rechtbank.
Beroep is a procedure for requesting a formal change to an official decision. In legal contexts, it particularly refers to the process of appealing a court’s decision.
Understanding these terms provides a foundational grasp of Dutch legal vocabulary, essential for anyone needing to interact with the legal system in the Netherlands or handle Dutch legal documents. Whether you are a law student, practicing lawyer, or simply someone with a need to understand legal proceedings in Dutch, this glossary serves as a handy reference.
