lectura de cargos
/leɡtuɾa de kaɾɡos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "arraignment" is translated into Spanish as lectura de cargos.
This term is used specifically to describe the formal legal procedure where a defendant is informed of the charges against them in court.
Meaning: charging of a defendant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lectura (reading) and de cargos (of charges).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Imputación is a formal way to say arraignment particularly used in Spain, while Instrucción de cargos is a formal way to say it in some Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/leɡtuɾa de kaɾɡos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish legal contexts, the 'charges' (cargos) are often linked to the concept of carga, which can mean a physical load or burden, suggesting the weight of the accusation on the defendant.
- While lectura de cargos refers to the reading of charges, the term imputado used in Spain for the defendant stems from the same root as 'impute', which originally meant to calculate or count a debt.
- The word lectura comes from the Late Latin lēctūra, which shares a root with the English word 'lecture'.
Examples in context
- La lectura de cargos de hoy ofrece al acusado su primera oportunidad para presentar el caso personalmente.Today's arraignment hearing offers the defendant his first opportunity to state his case personally.This sentence shows how the lectura de cargos provides a defendant their first opportunity to state their case personally.Tatoeba #2003555 by camilou, translation #1451500 by sacredceltic
- El abogado asesorará al acusado durante la instrucción de cargos.The lawyer will advise the defendant during the arraignment process.
- La lectura de cargos se llevará a cabo mañana.The arraignment will take place tomorrow.
- El abogado espera la lectura de cargos con calma.The lawyer awaits the arraignment calmly.
Example conversation
Two legal colleagues are discussing a case schedule.
- AlejandroElena, ¿ya sabes cuándo es la lectura de cargos?Elena, do you already know when the arraignment is?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, está programada para el viernes.Yes, Alejandro, it is scheduled for Friday.
- AlejandroPerfecto, necesito preparar los documentos antes.Perfect, I need to prepare the documents beforehand.
- ElenaYo te ayudaré con el papeleo hoy.I will help you with the paperwork today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lectura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
