As an Indonesian interpreter working in legal settings, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of judicial terminology to facilitate accurate and effective communication. This mini glossary provides 30 essential judicial terms, along with their translations in Indonesian, to assist interpreters in navigating the complexities of legal interpretation.

1. Arraignment (Pembacaan dakwaan): The formal reading of charges against a defendant in a court of law.
2. Bailiff (Juru sita): An officer of the court who maintains order and security in the courtroom.
3. Burden of proof (Beban pembuktian): The responsibility of a party to prove the truth of an assertion or claim in court.
4. Chambers (Ruang sidang): The private office or room of a judge within the courthouse.
5. Closing argument (tuntutan): The final summary statement made by each party’s attorney before the judge or jury.
6. Contempt of court (penghinaan terhadap pengadilan): Any action that disrespects or obstructs the authority or dignity of the court.
7. Cross-examination (Pemeriksaan silang): The questioning of a witness by the opposing party’s attorney during trial.
8. Defendant (Tergugat, tertuduh atau terdakwa, tergantung konteks): The person or party being accused or sued in a court of law.
9. Deposition (berita acara pemeriksaan untuk dibawa ke pengadilan): The out-of-court oral testimony of a witness taken under oath and recorded for use in a trial.
10. Direct examination (Pemeriksaan langsung): The questioning of a witness by the attorney who called them to testify.
11. Evidence (Bukti): Information or objects presented in court to prove or disprove facts in a case.
12. Exhibit (Barang bukti): Physical evidence that is presented and made part of the court record during trial.
13. Hearing (Sidang): A session or meeting in a court where legal matters are discussed or resolved.
14. Impeachment (mempertanyakan kredibilitas kesaksian): The act of challenging the credibility or testimony of a witness.
15. In camera (secara rahasia): A proceeding that takes place in private, without the presence of the public.
16. Judgment (Putusan): The final decision or ruling of a court in a case.
17. Litigant (Pihak berperkara): A person or party involved in a lawsuit.
18. Mistrial (Sidang yang batal): A trial that is terminated and declared invalid due to a fundamental error or misconduct.
19. Objection (Keberatan): A formal protest raised by an attorney during court proceedings to challenge the admissibility of evidence or legal procedure.
20. Perjury (kesaksian palsu): The willful act of deliberately lying or providing false information under oath.
21. Plaintiff (Penggugat): The person or party who initiates a lawsuit and seeks a legal remedy.
22. Preliminary hearing (Pemeriksaan awal): A pretrial proceeding where a judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
23. Probate (proses hukum untuk membuktikan keabsahan surat wasiat dan membagikan aset orang yang telah meninggal): The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person.
24. Prosecutor (Jaksa penuntut umum): The lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases and presents the case against the defendant.
25. Recess (Istirahat sidang): A temporary suspension or break in court proceedings.
26. Sentencing (Hukuman): The formal imposition of a punishment on a defendant after they have been found guilty.
27. Subpoena (Surat panggilan saksi): A legal document that compels a person to appear in court as a witness or produce evidence.
28. Testimony (Keterangan saksi): Oral or written statements given under oath by witnesses during court proceedings.
29. Verdict (Putusan): The decision reached by a judge or jury at the end of a trial.
30. Warrant (Surat perintah): A written order issued by a judge that authorizes the arrest or search of a person or premises.

By familiarizing themselves with these court terms and their translations in Indonesian, Indonesian interpreters can effectively navigate legal proceedings and ensure accurate interpretation for all parties involved.

Let us know if you have any suggestion, correction or addition.

Posted by Luh Windiari
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