desestimar el caso
/desestimaɾ el kaso/from spelling rules
To dismiss the case in Spanish is desestimar el caso.
This phrase is used to describe the official end of a legal proceeding without making a final decision on the merits of the case. In a specific legal context, if the case refers to a civil lawsuit, it is very common to use desestimar la demanda (to dismiss the lawsuit) instead of using el caso.
Which one should you use?
The term sobreseer el caso serves as a common technical synonym for dismissing a case or proceedings in many Spanish-speaking legal systems. Additionally, you may encounter the informal expression dar carpetazo al caso, which communicates the idea of closing the case or putting it to rest.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be conjugated into different forms: desestimó el caso means 'dismissed the case' (past tense), and desestimando el caso is the gerund used to express the continuous action of 'dismissing the case'.
Did you know?
- The informal expression dar carpetazo al caso literally means 'to give a folder-hit to the case'. It evokes the physical action of slamming a folder shut to stop discussing a matter.
- The word caso comes from the Latin cāsus, which originally referred to 'a fall' or 'an event'. This links the legal 'case' to the idea of a specific occurrence falling into place.
- In many legal systems, a judge might use sobreseer instead of desestimar specifically when they decide there is insufficient evidence to even begin a trial.
Examples in context
- El juez decidió desestimar el caso por falta de pruebas.The judge decided to dismiss the case for lack of evidence.
- El juez decidió desestimar el caso hoy.The judge decided to dismiss the case today.
- No hay pruebas suficientes para desestimar el caso.There is not enough evidence to dismiss the case.
- La defensa pidió desestimar el caso de inmediato.The defense asked to dismiss the case immediately.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are lawyers discussing a recent ruling in their office.
- Javier¿Logramos desestimar el caso finalmente?Did we finally manage to dismiss the case?
- ElenaSí, Javier, el juez aceptó nuestra petición.Yes, Javier, the judge accepted our petition.
- JavierEs una gran noticia para el cliente.That is great news for the client.
- ElenaPor fin podemos cerrar este asunto.We can finally close this matter.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caso, desestimar, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
