Learning Korean can be particularly challenging when it comes to specialized vocabulary, such as legal terms. In this article, we’ll explore some of the essential legal vocabulary and law-related terms in Korean that could be useful whether you’re studying law, working in a related field, or simply expanding your language skills.
법률 (beobryul) – Law
그 사건에 대한 법률을 검토해 주세요.
This term refers to the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.
변호사 (byeonhosa) – Lawyer
그 변호사는 많은 이들의 신뢰를 받고 있다.
This is a person who practices or studies law; an attorney or a counselor.
재판 (jaepan) – Trial
재판은 공정해야 합니다.
This refers to the examination before a court of the facts or law in a case to determine the issue.
증거 (jeunggeo) – Evidence
증거 없이는 그를 유죄로 판단할 수 없습니다.
Evidence is anything useful for determining the truth or falsehood of a claim in a trial.
피고 (pigo) – Defendant
피고는 무죄를 주장했습니다.
This term describes an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
원고 (wongo) – Plaintiff
원고는 손해 배상을 요구하고 있습니다.
A plaintiff is a person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
판결 (pan-gyeol) – Verdict
판결은 내일 발표될 예정입니다.
The verdict is a decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
소송 (sosong) – Lawsuit
그는 이웃에게 소송을 제기했습니다.
A lawsuit is a claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
법정 (beobjeong) – Courtroom
모든 참석자는 법정에서 조용해야 합니다.
This term refers to the room in which a court of law is held.
판사 (pansa) – Judge
판사는 공평무사해야 합니다.
A judge is a public officer appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
법원 (beobwon) – Court
그 사건은 서울 중앙지방법원에서 처리될 것입니다.
This is the term for the place where legal cases are heard and decided.
형사 (hyeongsa) – Criminal
형사 사건은 주의 깊게 다뤄져야 합니다.
This term is used to describe relating to crime, as opposed to civil matters.
민사 (minsa) – Civil (as in civil law)
민사 소송은 개인 간의 분쟁을 다룹니다.
This relates to private relations between members of a community; non-criminal law.
형법 (hyeongbeop) – Criminal law
형법은 사회의 안전을 유지하는 데 중요합니다.
This is a system of law concerned with the punishment of those who commit crimes.
민법 (minbeop) – Civil law
민법은 개인의 권리와 의무를 규정합니다.
This is the body of laws of a state or nation regulating ordinary private matters, as opposed to laws regulating criminal, political, or military matters.
조약 (joyak) – Treaty
이 조약은 두 나라 간의 평화를 증진시킬 것입니다.
A treaty is a formally concluded and ratified agreement between states.
입법 (ipbeop) – Legislation
새로운 입법으로 환경 보호가 강화될 것입니다.
Legislation refers to laws, considered collectively.
집행 (jiphaeng) – Enforcement
법의 집행은 정의의 실현을 위해 필수적입니다.
Enforcement is the process of ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, rules, standards, or social norms.
Through familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better understand Korean legal documents, news, and conversations that involve legal contexts. This vocabulary can serve as a springboard into more complex legal language, enhancing both your language skills and your understanding of Korean law and culture.
