abogado defensor

/a.βoˈɣa.ðo de.fenˈsoɾ/
defense lawyer

El abogado defensor presentó nuevas pruebas en el juicio.

The defense lawyer presented new evidence in the trial.


Law
formal

A lawyer who represents and defends a client in a legal case, particularly in criminal proceedings.

El abogado defensor logró que el tribunal redujera la condena de su cliente.

The defense lawyer succeeded in getting the court to reduce his client's sentence.

Según el código penal, todo acusado tiene derecho a un abogado defensor.

According to the penal code, every defendant has the right to a defense lawyer.

In Spanish-speaking legal systems, 'abogado defensor' specifically refers to the lawyer representing the defendant, as opposed to the prosecutor ('fiscal') who represents the state.

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Legal Terminology

Remember that 'abogado defensor' is specific to criminal law. In civil cases, the equivalent is 'abogado de la parte demandada' (lawyer for the defendant).

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The term 'abogado defensor' always implies a lawyer acting in a defensive role, never as a plaintiff or prosecutor.

Word Origin

The term combines 'abogado' (from Latin 'advocatus', meaning 'one called to aid') and 'defensor' (from Latin 'defensor', meaning 'protector' or 'defender'). Both words entered Spanish through Latin legal terminology during the Middle Ages.

Usage Notes

In formal legal contexts, 'abogado defensor' is preferred over 'abogado de la defensa' for clarity. In some Latin American countries, 'defensor público' is used for public defenders.

Word Breakdown

abogado
lawyer
root
+
defensor
defender
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés