Common English Mistakes in Court Documents by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Court Document in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

The parties have reviewed the contract was reviewed by the parties,andit was agreedby them that the terms were acceptable. IThe court whas decidedby the court that the defendant wshas toll be held responsible for the damages. The prosevcutideonce whas presented bytheir evidence and the prosjudgecution, and it whas concludedby the judge that the case should proceed to trial.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I changed some of the words from passive to active voice and adjusted the verb tenses for consistency."

The parties have reviewed the contract and agreed that the terms were acceptable. The court has decided that the defendant shall be held responsible for the damages. The prosecution has presented their evidence and the judge has concluded that the case should proceed to trial.

The contract was reviewed by the parties, and it was agreed by them that the terms were acceptable. It was decided by the court that the defendant was to be held responsible for the damages. The evidence was presented by the prosecution, and it was concluded by the judge that the case should proceed to trial.

Mistake Example #2

Confusing singular and plural nouns

The defendant, Mr. Rossi, is accused of thetheft of someveral artwork from the gallery. The evidence presented in court includes a photograph showing Mr. Rossi near the scene of the crime and witness testimony that describes seeing him with a suspicious bag. The prosecution argues that theise evidence areis sufficient to prove guilt beyond areasonable doubt.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper usage of singular vs. plural nouns."

The defendant, Mr. Rossi, is accused of the theft of some artwork from the gallery. The evidence presented in court includes a photograph showing Mr. Rossi near the scene of the crime and witness testimony that describes seeing him with a suspicious bag. The prosecution argues that this evidence is sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The defendant, Mr. Rossi, is accused of theft of several artwork from the gallery. The evidence presented in court include a photograph showing Mr. Rossi near the scene of the crime and witness testimony that describe seeing him with a suspicious bag. The prosecution argue that these evidence are sufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Mistake Example #3

Using direct translations from Italian (e.g., 'We see us tomorrow' instead of 'See you tomorrow')

To the Honorable Judge, I am writing to informyou about the situation regarding the case of Mr. Rossi. We have discussed the matter with the client, and we are in agreement that the evidence is inotsufficient to proceed. We ask kindly forthat the courtto consider our request for apostponiemengt of the hearing, as we need more time to collect the necessary documents. We willsee yous in court on the new date.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have made a few revisions to enhance the fluency, especially in the last sentence."

To the Honorable Judge, I am writing to inform you about the situation regarding the case of Mr. Rossi. We have discussed the matter with the client, and we agree that the evidence is insufficient to proceed. We ask that the court consider our request for a postponement of the hearing, as we need more time to collect the necessary documents. We will see you in court on the new date.

To the Honorable Judge, I am writing to inform about the situation regarding the case of Mr. Rossi. We have discussed the matter with the client and we are in agreement that the evidence is not sufficient to proceed. We ask kindly for the court to consider our request for postponing the hearing, as we need more time to collect the necessary documents. We see us in court on the new date.