Demandado refers to a person who is the subject of a legal action or lawsuit, specifically the individual who is alleged to have committed a wrongdoing and is facing charges or claims in a court of law. In Spanish legal terminology, the term is used to designate the party against whom a demand or legal action is directed. It is used more frequently in written legal contexts, such as in legal documents and court proceedings, but it can also occasionally appear in oral discourse, especially in legal discussions.
Example Sentences
El demandado presentó una defensa sólida ante el juez.
The defendant presented a solid defense before the judge.
La abogada estaba preparando la estrategia para representar al demandado.
The lawyer was preparing the strategy to represent the defendant.
El demandado negó todas las acusaciones durante el juicio.
The defendant denied all the accusations during the trial.
Idiomatic Expressions
The term "demandado" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions in Spanish, as it is a legal term and generally appears in formal contexts. However, here are a few expressions that pertain to legal situations and involve related terminology:
Estar en la cuerda floja (To be on thin ice)
El demandado está en la cuerda floja porque las pruebas en su contra son muy contundentes.
The defendant is on thin ice because the evidence against him is very compelling.
Caer como un ladrón (To fall like a thief)
La noticia de la condena del demandado cayó como un ladrón en la comunidad.
The news of the defendant's conviction fell like a thief in the community.
No hay mal que por bien no venga (Every cloud has a silver lining)
Aunque el demandado perdió el caso, no hay mal que por bien no venga, ya que aprendió mucho de esta experiencia.
Although the defendant lost the case, every cloud has a silver lining, as he learned a lot from this experience.
Etymology
The word "demandado" derives from the Spanish verb "demandar," which means "to demand" or "to sue." The suffix "-ado" indicates that it is a past participle, which in this case refers to one who is subject to a demand or legal claim.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
Acusado (accused)
Procesado (processed, also refers to a defendant in some contexts)
Antonyms:
Demandante (plaintiff, the one who brings forth the lawsuit)
This information covers various aspects of the term "demandado," providing a comprehensive overview of its use and significance in the legal domain.