Exploring legal and law-related vocabulary is essential for anyone looking to understand Arabic media, legal documents, or to communicate effectively in professional settings in Arabic-speaking regions. Here’s a collection of essential Arabic legal vocabulary, complete with definitions and example sentences.
قانون (Qānūn) – Law
هذا يخالف القانون.
This term refers to the system of rules that are created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior.
محامي (Muḥāmī) – Lawyer
المحامي يدافع عن المتهم في المحكمة.
A person who practices law, as an advocate, barrister, attorney, counselor, or solicitor.
محكمة (Maḥkama) – Court
تم عقد الجلسة في المحكمة.
An institution where justice is administered, and where legal cases are heard and resolved.
عقد (ʿAqd) – Contract
وقع الطرفان على العقد بعد مراجعته.
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
حق (Ḥaqq) – Right
لكل فرد الحق في التعبير عن رأيه.
A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
دعوى (Daʿwā) – Lawsuit
رفعت دعوى ضد الشركة بسبب الأضرار التي لحقت بي.
A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
جريمة (Jarīma) – Crime
اتُهم بارتكاب جريمة لم يفعلها.
An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law.
شهادة (Shahāda) – Testimony
أدلى بشهادته أمام القاضي.
A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.
تفتيش (Taftīsh) – Inspection
أجرت السلطات تفتيشًا في المبنى.
The act of examining something, often to ensure compliance with regulations or laws.
مدعي عام (Muddaʿī ʿĀmm) – Prosecutor
قدم المدعي العام الأدلة إلى المحكمة.
A legal official who brings charges against a suspect in a court of law and carries out the proceedings.
دفاع (Difāʿ) – Defense
قدم محامي الدفاع حججه لحماية موكله.
The act of defending against a charge in a court of law.
حكم (Ḥukm) – Judgment
صدر حكم المحكمة بالبراءة.
The official decision made by a court following a legal proceeding.
تعويض (Taʿwīḍ) – Compensation
طالب بتعويض عن الأضرار التي لحقت به.
Payment awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.
قضية (Qaḍiyya) – Case
تم تسجيل القضية للنظر فيها الأسبوع المقبل.
A matter that is to be decided by a judge in a court of law.
مخالفة (Mukhālafa) – Violation
اتُهم بمخالفة قواعد السير.
An act of disobeying or infringing on a law, agreement, or set of rules.
إثبات (Ithbāt) – Proof
قدم الادعاء إثباتات كافية لدعم قضيتهم.
Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.
تحقيق (Taḥqīq) – Investigation
فتحت الشرطة تحقيقاً لكشف ملابسات الحادث.
The action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research.
حيازة (Ḥiyāza) – Possession
وُجدت المواد الممنوعة في حيازته.
The state of having, owning, or controlling something.
تشريع (Tashrīʿ) – Legislation
يعمل المشرعون على تشريع قوانين جديدة.
Laws, considered collectively.
سلطة قضائية (Sulṭa Qaḍāʾiyya) – Judiciary
تُعد السلطة القضائية أحد أعمدة النظام الديمقراطي.
The judicial authorities or judicial branch of government.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll enhance your ability to engage with Arabic-speaking legal professionals or understand legal contexts in Arabic literature, media, or discussions. Whether you’re a law student, practicing lawyer, or just a language enthusiast, mastering this vocabulary will significantly boost your linguistic and cultural competence.
