Learning legal terms in a foreign language can be a daunting task, but it is essential for anyone needing to navigate legal documents or situations in that language. For English speakers learning Japanese, understanding specific legal vocabulary can significantly aid in reading contracts, legal papers, or even news articles that deal with legal matters. Here, we will explore essential legal terms and vocabulary in Japanese, complete with their definitions and example sentences.
法律 (ほうりつ) – Law
この法律は平等を保障しています。
This term refers to the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.
契約 (けいやく) – Contract
彼と契約を結びました。
A contract in Japanese legal terms refers to an agreement entered into voluntarily by two or more parties for creating legal obligations between them.
訴訟 (そしょう) – Lawsuit
訴訟を起こすことに決めた。
This term is used to describe a legal case brought to a court of law in which a party seeks a legal or equitable remedy.
被告 (ひこく) – Defendant
被告は無罪を主張している。
The defendant is the individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
原告 (げんこく) – Plaintiff
原告は損害賠償を求めています。
A plaintiff is a person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
裁判所 (さいばんしょ) – Court
裁判所に出頭する必要があります。
The term for the place where legal cases are heard and decided. It can refer to various levels of the judiciary system.
証拠 (しょうこ) – Evidence
彼は自分の無実を証明する証拠を持っている。
Evidence encompasses anything used to determine or demonstrate the truth in a court of law.
判決 (はんけつ) – Verdict
判決が下されるまで長い時間がかかりました。
A verdict is a decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
権利 (けんり) – Rights
すべての人は平等な権利を持っています。
Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement.
義務 (ぎむ) – Obligation
彼はその義務を果たすべきです。
An obligation in legal terms is something that a person is bound to do or refrain from doing; a duty or commitment.
免責 (めんせき) – Exemption
その規則から免責されています。
Exemption refers to the process of freeing or state of being free from an obligation, liability, or duty.
違反 (いはん) – Violation
彼は会社の規則に違反した。
A violation is the act of disregarding or infringing upon a law, agreement, or set of rights.
訴える (うったえる) – To sue
彼女はその会社を訴えるつもりです。
To sue someone means to institute legal proceedings against that person or entity.
解決 (かいけつ) – Resolution
問題は平和的に解決されました。
Resolution in legal terms refers to the act of solving or settling a dispute, problem, or contentious matter.
弁護士 (べんごし) – Lawyer
弁護士に相談することにしました。
A lawyer is a person who practices law, as an advocate, barrister, attorney, counselor, or solicitor.
許可 (きょか) – Permission
この活動には許可が必要です。
Permission refers to the consent given to do something that is regulated by law or policy.
無効 (むこう) – Invalid
その契約は無効とされました。
Invalid describes something that is not legally or officially acceptable.
Understanding these legal terms in Japanese can significantly enhance your comprehension and communication in legal contexts. Whether you are dealing with contracts, court cases, or simply discussing rights and obligations, these terms provide a fundamental base for navigating the legal landscape in Japan.
