Common English Mistakes in Court Documents by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between 'do' and 'make' ('I make a mistake' instead of 'I made a mistake')

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I makde a mistake in judgment, but I doam requeastking the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I made a mistake in judgment, but I am asking the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I make a mistake in judgment, but I do request the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

Mistake Example #2

Direct translations from Spanish ('It makes sense' vs. 'It has sense')

In the matter of the defendant, it hmakes sense to consider the evidence presented during the trial. The witness testimony, although it lacks some details,it makes clear the sequence of events that occurred on the night in question. It is important that the court takes into account all the factors that have been discussed, as ithey hasre relevancet to the final decision.

Text corrected by:
Rob, Bristol, England

"In English, "makes sense" is used to indicate that something is relevant and clear. "Has sense" refers to an individual's good judgment. Just a few small changes were needed. Otherwise, it sounds great!"

In the matter of the defendant, it makes sense to consider the evidence presented during the trial. The witness testimony, although it lacks some details, makes clear the sequence of events that occurred on the night in question. It is important that the court takes into account all the factors that have been discussed, as they are relevant to the final decision.

In the matter of the defendant, it has sense to consider the evidence presented during the trial. The witness testimony, although it lacks some details, it makes clear the sequence of events that occurred on the night in question. It is important that the court takes into account all the factors that have been discussed, as it has relevance to the final decision.

Mistake Example #3

Misuse of present continuous ('I am having 30 years of experience' instead of 'I have 30 years of experience')

In the matter of the case, I am representing the defendant who is cpleaimding innocencet. I amhavinge 30 years of experience in legal practice, and I amknowing the importance of presenting clear evidence. The defendant is insistings that he was not present at the scene, and we are preparing to submit the necessary documents to support this claim.

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

"I changed some of the verb tenses from present continuous to simple present. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the matter of the case, I am representing the defendant who is pleading innocent. I have 30 years of experience in legal practice, and I know the importance of presenting clear evidence. The defendant insists that he was not present at the scene, and we are preparing to submit the necessary documents to support this claim.

In the matter of the case, I am representing the defendant who is claiming innocence. I am having 30 years of experience in legal practice, and I am knowing the importance of presenting clear evidence. The defendant is insisting that he was not present at the scene, and we are preparing to submit the necessary documents to support this claim.