Inklingo

How to Say "lawsuit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

demanda

/deh-MAHN-dah//deˈmanda/

nounB2legal
Use 'demanda' when referring to the formal legal document or action that initiates a lawsuit, essentially 'filing a lawsuit'.
A figure wearing a simple black robe sits behind a large wooden desk, observing two figures standing opposite each other. One figure is holding a rolled-up legal document, symbolizing a lawsuit.

Examples

El abogado presentó la demanda ayer por la mañana.

The lawyer filed the lawsuit yesterday morning.

Ganaron la demanda después de un largo juicio.

They won the lawsuit after a long trial.

Recibimos una demanda por incumplimiento de contrato.

We received a legal claim for breach of contract.

Key Verbs

When talking about starting a lawsuit, the most common verbs are 'presentar' (to file) or 'poner' (to put/file). For winning, use 'ganar' (to win).

causa

/kow-sah//ˈkawsa/

nounB2legal
Use 'causa' to refer to a legal case or matter that is being handled by the court system, emphasizing the 'case' aspect of a lawsuit.
A perfectly balanced set of scales, typically associated with justice, resting on a pedestal, representing a legal case.

Examples

El abogado presentó la causa ante el juez.

The lawyer presented the case before the judge.

Ganaron la causa después de muchos años.

They won the lawsuit after many years.

juicio

/HWEE-see-oh//ˈxwi.sjo/

nounB1legal
Use 'juicio' when you are specifically talking about the trial or hearing phase of a lawsuit, where evidence is presented and a decision is made.
A large wooden judge's gavel resting on a circular wooden sound block.

Examples

El juicio comenzará el próximo lunes.

The trial will begin next Monday.

Fue llamado como testigo en el juicio.

He was called as a witness in the trial.

La empresa enfrenta un juicio por discriminación.

The company is facing a lawsuit for discrimination.

Demanda vs. Juicio

Learners often confuse 'demanda' and 'juicio'. Remember that 'demanda' refers to the initiation or the case itself, while 'juicio' is specifically about the trial. You file a 'demanda', and then there is a 'juicio'.

Related Translations

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