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How to Say "tribunal" in Spanish

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juzgado

hooz-GAH-dohxuzˈɣa.ðo

nounB1general
Use 'juzgado' when referring to the legal institution or building where legal proceedings take place, essentially the courthouse.
A grand, symmetrical stone building with tall columns and a wide set of stairs leading to the entrance, representing a courthouse.

Examples

El abogado presentó los documentos en el juzgado antes de la audiencia.

The lawyer filed the documents at the courthouse before the hearing.

Tuvimos que ir al juzgado para presentar la demanda.

We had to go to the courthouse to file the lawsuit.

El juzgado emitió una orden de arresto contra el sospechoso.

The court issued an arrest warrant against the suspect.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'juzgado' is always masculine, so you use 'el juzgado' or 'un juzgado'.

tribunal

tree-boo-NAHLtɾi.βuˈnal

nounB1formal
Use 'tribunal' specifically for a specialized panel of judges or a committee convened to make a ruling or judgment on a particular case.
A high, elevated wooden bench and desk, representing a judge's station in a courtroom. A large brown wooden gavel rests on the desk.

Examples

El tribunal de apelaciones revisará la decisión del juez inferior.

The appellate court will review the lower judge's decision.

El tribunal falló a favor del demandante.

The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

Mañana comparecerá ante el tribunal supremo.

Tomorrow he will appear before the supreme court.

Se estableció un tribunal de arbitraje para resolver la disputa.

An arbitration tribunal was established to resolve the dispute.

Masculine Noun

Since 'tribunal' ends in 'l,' it is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el tribunal' (the court).

Mixing up 'Tribunal' and 'Corte'

Mistake: “Using 'corte' exclusively, when 'tribunal' might be more specific.”

Correction: 'Tribunal' often refers to a higher or specialized court, or the panel of judges itself, while 'corte' is more general and also means 'cut' or 'royal court'.

estrado

ess-TRAH-dohesˈtɾa.ðo

nounB2formal
Use 'estrado' to refer to the physical raised platform or bench where judges or a panel of judges sit within a courtroom.
A sturdy wooden judge's bench elevated on a small platform in an empty courtroom setting.

Examples

Desde el estrado, el juez observó atentamente a los testigos.

From the bench, the judge closely observed the witnesses.

El abogado se dirigió directamente al juez, que estaba sentado en el estrado.

The lawyer addressed the judge directly, who was seated on the bench.

Todos los ojos estaban fijos en el estrado esperando la sentencia.

All eyes were fixed on the court dais awaiting the sentence.

Masculine Noun

Estrado is always masculine, so it uses the articles 'el' (the) or 'un' (a). You would say 'el estrado' or 'un estrado grande'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'la estrado' instead of 'el estrado'.”

Correction: Since 'estrado' ends in -o, it is masculine: 'el estrado'. Remember this pattern for most Spanish nouns ending in -o.

Juzgado vs. Tribunal

The most common mistake is using 'juzgado' when you mean a specific panel ('tribunal') or vice-versa. Remember, 'juzgado' refers to the institution/building, while 'tribunal' denotes the group of decision-makers.

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