Challenges of Legal Translation (Part 2)

We’ve already discussed the importance of accuracy in legal translations. Today, let’s explore some legal terms that can be misunderstood/misinterpreted across languages.

Here are some concepts that may not mean what you think:

•         Domicile. In the UK, domicile defines which tax position an individual occupies. But in France and Spain, it stands simply for a home address.
•         Saisie-arrêt. This is a French term directly translated as garnishment, but in the legal language, it means a landlord’s right to seize a tenant’s property.
•         Privilege. In the US and UK, legal privilege refers to the protection of confidential communications between a lawyer and a client. However, this concept doesn’t exist in France, Germany, or Sweden.
•         Robbery vs. Burglary. Robbery implies confrontation between a robber and a victim, while burglary happens when no victim is present.
•         Assault vs. Battery. While an assault implies the threat of harm, battery is the physical act of violence.
•         Due Diligence. The concept has different senses. In the legal sphere, it represents a structured legal process to investigate contracts, businesses, or transactions before signing.

Therefore, legal translations are even more complex than they seem. One word, one punctuation mark, and one misinterpreted phrase can change an entire case. That’s why partnering with professionals will help you avoid painful mistakes.