Glossary of Legal Terms
At REG Abogados, we believe that understanding the basic concepts of litigation empowers our clients to make informed decisions.
Therefore, we have prepared this glossary of key legal terms, designed to help you familiarize yourself with the terminology commonly used in the fields of civil, commercial, and administrative litigation.
We hope this guide will be of great use in helping you better understand your legal process. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
A legal process where two or more parties dispute their rights before a court. It can be resolved through a trial or a settlement.
Litigant
The person (natural or legal entity) or attorney who actively participates in litigation, defending their own interests or those of their clients.
Controversy
A disagreement or dispute over a specific issue that requires a resolution, often legal. It is synonymous with conflict or lawsuit.
Complaint / Lawsuit
A formal document that initiates a trial, where the plaintiff sets forth their claims against the defendant.
Defendant
The person or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed. They are the party who must respond to the plaintiff's claims.
Plaintiff / Petitioner
The party that initiates a legal action or lawsuit before a court. They are the one who files the claim or seeks a solution to a controversy.
Interested Third Party
A person who, without initially being a party to the litigation, has a legitimate interest in its outcome and may intervene to defend their rights.
Amparo Action (Juicio de Amparo)
A fundamental constitutional remedy in Mexico, used to protect the human rights (individual guarantees) of citizens against acts or omissions by any authority or laws that violate them.
Injunctions / Precautionary Measures
Urgent court orders (e.g., attachments/seizures) to secure rights during litigation.
Evidence
Documents, testimony, or expert reports that support arguments in court (e.g., contracts, emails, expert appraisals).
Ruling / Judgment
The final resolution issued by a judge or court that ends a trial, resolving the litigation and establishing the rights and obligations of the parties.
Jurisdiction
The authority or power held by a court or judge to legally hear and resolve a specific type of case or controversy within a specific territory.
Appeal
A legal remedy that allows one of the parties in a trial to request a higher court to review the judgment or resolution issued by a lower court, seeking its modification or reversal.
Hearing
A formal session before a judge or authority where the parties present their arguments, offer evidence, and decisions are made regarding the process.
Statute of Limitations
The deadline to exercise a right or initiate a lawsuit (varies by subject matter).
Arbitration
An alternative method for resolving conflicts without going to trial, through a neutral arbitrator.
Civil Liability
The obligation to repair damages caused to another.
Adverse Possession (Usucapion)
Acquiring property through prolonged and peaceful possession.
Enforceable Instrument (Título Ejecutivo)
A document (e.g., a promissory note) that allows for collection without a prior full trial.
Bankruptcy
A procedure due to insolvency where one is unable to pay debts.
Motion for Reversal (Recurso de Revocación)
Challenging a government resolution before the same authority that issued it.
Administrative Silence
When an authority does not respond within the deadline and approval is assumed (positive silence).