# Litigation & Settlement — Italian Sub-Lexicon

Italian→English mappings for contentious legal work: civil litigation, administrative
litigation, criminal proceedings, settlement agreements, releases, waivers, consent
orders, dispute-resolution clauses, mediation and arbitration agreements.

This sub-lexicon covers both (a) the full civil, administrative and criminal litigation
life-cycle (atti → udienza → sentenza → appello → esecuzione) and (b) the transactional
instruments used to resolve disputes without final judgment (accordi transattivi,
liberatorie, verbali di conciliazione, accordi omologati). The settlement terminology
section below (legacy) is preserved in full; the added civil/administrative/criminal
sections extend the sub-lexicon to cover live proceedings.

## Core Settlement Terms - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| accordo transattivo | settlement agreement | Legal settlement, not commercial transaction |
| transazione | settlement agreement / settlement / compromise agreement | Core term governed by Italian Civil Code Art. 1965 (definition) and Arts. 1966-1976. **CRITICAL CROSS-FILE WARNING**: in the trading/derivatives context (ISDA/CSA docs) *transazione* is often used loosely to mean "transaction" — see the Trading & Capital Markets section of italian-finance-banking.md. Verify the domain before translating. |
| transazione generale | general release and settlement | Comprehensive settlement extinguishing all related claims |
| verbale di conciliazione | settlement record / conciliation record | Document evidencing settlement reached at mediation/conciliation |
| atto di transazione | deed of settlement | Formal signed deed recording settlement terms |
| rinuncia e liberatoria | release and waiver | Mutual release of claims with waiver of further rights |
| liberatoria | release / discharge | Formal discharge from liability or obligations |
| manleva | indemnity / hold harmless | Obligation to compensate or protect against liability |
| rinuncia alle pretese | waiver of claims | Voluntary relinquishment of known claims |
| rinuncia reciproca | mutual release | Reciprocal release by both/all parties |
| quietanza | receipt and discharge | Acknowledgment of payment with discharge of obligation |
| quietanza liberatoria | full and final release | Complete release barring all further claims |
| saldo e stralcio | full and final settlement | Settlement that is complete and binding |
| nulla più a pretendere | nothing further to claim | Mutual acknowledgment that no further sums are due |
| reciproche concessioni | mutual concessions | Reciprocal compromises (validity requirement under Italian law) |
| importo transattivo | settlement amount | The sum of money agreed as consideration |
| corrispettivo della transazione | settlement consideration | The benefit provided in exchange for settlement |
| pagamento a titolo transattivo | settlement payment | Payment made pursuant to settlement agreement |
| rata transattiva | settlement installment | Payment made in stages under settlement agreement |
| dichiarazione di soddisfazione | satisfaction | Formal acknowledgment that claim/obligation is satisfied |
| tombale | full and final | Comprehensive and conclusive (tombale: literally "tombstone") |
| onnicomprensivo | full and final | Comprehensive coverage |
| res iudicata | res judicata | Legal principle that matter already adjudicated cannot be relitigated |
| giudicato | res judicata | Final judgment (Italian law term) |

## Dispute Resolution Terms - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| controversia | dispute | Disagreement or controversy between parties |
| contenzioso | litigation | Court proceedings; formal dispute resolution |
| procedimento giudiziario | legal proceedings | Formal process initiated before a court |
| azione legale | action / claim | Legal claim brought before a court |
| causa | action / claim | Legal claim (alternative term) |
| domanda riconvenzionale | counterclaim | Claim brought by defendant against claimant |
| intervento di terzo | third-party claim | Claim brought against third party in existing proceedings |
| eccezione preliminare | preliminary objection | Objection to jurisdiction, admissibility, or procedural defect |
| competenza giurisdizionale | jurisdiction | Power of court to hear case |
| foro competente | competent court / forum | Court having jurisdiction over dispute |
| clausola compromissoria | arbitration clause | Contractual clause requiring disputes be resolved by arbitration |
| compromesso arbitrale | submission to arbitration | Agreement to refer dispute to arbitration |
| lodo arbitrale | arbitral award | Decision issued by arbitrator or tribunal |
| arbitrato | arbitration | Private dispute resolution by neutral third party(ies) |
| arbitro unico | sole arbitrator | Single neutral appointed to resolve dispute |
| collegio arbitrale | arbitral tribunal | Panel of arbitrators (usually 3) |
| regolamento arbitrale | arbitration rules | Procedural rules governing conduct of arbitration |
| sede dell'arbitrato | seat of arbitration | Legal seat/location of arbitration |
| mediazione | mediation | Assisted negotiation facilitated by neutral third party |
| conciliazione | conciliation | Facilitated settlement process with neutral conciliator |
| mediatore | mediator | Neutral third party facilitating settlement discussions |
| tentativo obbligatorio di mediazione | mandatory mediation attempt | Requirement to attempt mediation before litigation/arbitration |
| negoziazione assistita | assisted negotiation | Negotiation with neutral facilitator |
| clausola multi-tier | multi-tier dispute resolution clause | Escalation clause requiring negotiation, then mediation, then arbitration |

## Release and Waiver Terms - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| liberare e manlevare | release and hold harmless | Complete release from liability and indemnification |
| tenere indenne | indemnify / hold harmless | Covenant to compensate for or protect against liability |
| rinuncia irrevocabile | irrevocable waiver | Waiver that cannot be withdrawn or revoked |
| rinuncia a qualsiasi pretesa | waiver of any and all claims | Comprehensive waiver of known and unknown claims |
| non riproponibilità | non-revival / bar on re-litigation | Legal principle that settled claims cannot be relitigated |
| eccezione di transazione | defense of settlement | Legal defense raising settlement agreement as bar to proceedings |
| effetto novativo | novation | Substitution of new obligation for existing one |
| cessazione della lite | discontinuance of proceedings | Withdrawal of legal proceedings before final judgment |
| rinuncia agli atti | discontinuance / withdrawal of proceedings | Formal cessation of court proceedings |
| rinuncia all'azione | waiver of claim / release of action | Voluntary relinquishment of existing legal claim |
| desistenza | abandonment / discontinuance | Unilateral withdrawal from proceedings |
| compensazione delle spese | each party bearing its own costs | Each party bears its own legal costs and expenses |

## Consent and Court-Related Terms - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| decreto ingiuntivo | order for payment / payment order | Court order requiring payment of specified sum |
| ordinanza | order / ruling | Formal court decision on interlocutory or substantive matter |
| provvedimento cautelare | interim measure / injunctive relief | Temporary court order preventing action pending final decision |
| sequestro conservativo | attachment / freezing order | Court order freezing or seizing assets pending judgment |
| esecuzione forzata | enforcement / execution | Process of implementing judgment or award |
| omologazione | court approval / homologation | Court ratification/approval of settlement agreement |
| verbale di udienza | hearing record / minutes of hearing | Official record of proceedings at hearing |
| accordo omologato | court-approved settlement | Settlement agreement approved/ratified by court |

## Confidentiality in Settlement - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| riservatezza della transazione | confidentiality of the settlement | Obligation to keep settlement terms confidential |
| obbligo di non divulgazione | non-disclosure obligation | Contractual duty not to disclose specified information |
| clausola di non denigrazione | non-disparagement clause | Obligation not to make negative statements about other party |
| dichiarazione congiunta | joint statement | Agreed public statement issued by both/all parties |
| comunicato concordato | agreed statement / press release | Mutually approved public announcement regarding settlement |

## Section Headings - Italian Mappings

| Italian term | English equivalent | Context |
|---|---|---|
| PREMESSE | RECITALS / BACKGROUND | Opening clauses setting out background facts |
| OGGETTO DELLA TRANSAZIONE | SUBJECT MATTER OF THE SETTLEMENT | Definition of what is being settled |
| OBBLIGHI DELLE PARTI | OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES | Duties and undertakings of each party |
| PAGAMENTO | PAYMENT | Payment terms, amounts, and timing |
| RISERVATEZZA | CONFIDENTIALITY | Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations |
| CLAUSOLA PENALE | PENALTY CLAUSE / LIQUIDATED DAMAGES | Default or breach provisions |
| RISOLUZIONE DELLE CONTROVERSIE | DISPUTE RESOLUTION | Process for resolving disputes about the settlement itself |
| DISPOSIZIONI GENERALI | GENERAL PROVISIONS | Miscellaneous provisions |
| LEGGE APPLICABILE | GOVERNING LAW | Law governing the settlement agreement |

## Italian Civil Code References

| Italian provision | English law equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| articoli 1965-1976 Codice Civile | English law of contract / settlement | Articles 1965-1976 of Italian Civil Code govern transazione |
| reciproche concessioni (art. 1965) | mutual concessions / consideration | Italian law requires mutual concessions for valid settlement |
| effetti della transazione (art. 1972) | finality of settlement / res judicata effect | Settlement creates res judicata-like effect under Italian law |

## Notes for Translators

- **"Transazione" context**: In Italian legal documents, "transazione" appears in both dispute
  resolution and commercial contexts. Always determine from context whether "settlement"
  (dispute resolution) or "transaction" (commercial) is intended. Dispute resolution contexts
  require "settlement".

- **"Reciproche concessioni"**: Articles 1965 Italian Civil Code require "reciproche concessioni"
  (mutual concessions) for valid settlement. This is a validity requirement under Italian law
  but not under English law. The concept should be accurately translated but not glossed with
  common law equivalents.

- **"Tombale"**: Italian metaphor (literally "tombstone") for a settlement that is full and
  final, barring any further claims. Translate as "full and final settlement" or "complete
  release" — the metaphor is not used in English legal English.

- **Consent orders**: Italian "accordo omologato" and "verbale di conciliazione" filed with
  court are the Italian equivalents of English "consent order". The Italian procedure differs
  from English Tomlin orders but the functional equivalent is "court-approved settlement".

- **"Saldo e stralcio"**: Idiomatic Italian phrase meaning complete and final settlement
  (literally "balance and strike off"). Translate as "full and final settlement" or "complete
  settlement".

- **Italian vs common law settlement**: Settlements under Italian law have different validity
  requirements and effects from English law settlements. Do not add common law glosses or
  equivalences — translate the Italian terms accurately.

## Civil Litigation — Parties and Pleadings (Italian Mappings)

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| procedimento civile / giudizio civile | civil proceedings | Court proceedings between private parties |
| attore | claimant (UK) / plaintiff (US) | Party initiating civil proceedings; do not calque as "actor" |
| convenuto | defendant | Party against whom civil proceedings are brought |
| ricorrente | applicant / appellant | Party initiating summary or appeal proceedings; context-dependent |
| resistente | respondent | Party responding to summary or appeal proceedings |
| terzo chiamato in causa | third party (joined) | Third party brought into proceedings by a party |
| interveniente / intervento volontario | intervener / voluntary intervention | Third party joining proceedings to protect own interest |
| litisconsorte | joined party / co-party | Party joined in proceedings on same side |
| litisconsorzio necessario | mandatory joinder | Joinder required for integrity of judgment |
| litisconsorzio facoltativo | permissive joinder | Optional joinder |
| atto di citazione | claim form / particulars of claim (UK) / summons and complaint (US) | Document initiating ordinary civil proceedings |
| ricorso | application / petition | Document initiating summary (rito sommario) or special proceedings |
| comparsa di risposta | statement of defense / defense | Defendant's formal response |
| memoria di replica | reply | Claimant's response to defense |
| memoria di duplica | rejoinder | Defendant's further response to the reply |
| memorie istruttorie (art. 183, 6° co. c.p.c.) | pleadings on evidence / pre-trial briefs | Sequential written briefs under Italian Code of Civil Procedure |
| domanda giudiziale | claim | Formal claim pleaded in court |
| eccezione | defense / objection | Response denying liability or raising legal point |
| eccezione di rito | procedural objection | Objection on procedural grounds |
| eccezione di merito | substantive defense | Defense on the merits |
| eccezione di compensazione | set-off (as defense) | Cross-demand reducing or extinguishing the claim |
| notifica | service of process / service | Formal delivery of court documents |
| notifica a mezzo PEC | service by certified email (PEC) | Italian electronic service via certified email |
| notifica all'estero | cross-border service | Service on a party located in another jurisdiction (Hague Convention / EU Service Regulation) |
| udienza di prima comparizione e trattazione | first hearing / case management hearing | First procedural hearing under Italian civil procedure |
| mutamento della domanda | amendment of pleadings | Modification of the claim |
| disclosure / esibizione di documenti | disclosure (UK) / discovery (US) / order for production of documents | Italian procedure is narrower than common-law disclosure — translator's note often warranted |
| segreto professionale | legal professional privilege | Distinct Italian concept — narrower than English privilege |
| prova | evidence | Material offered to prove or disprove a fact |
| prova documentale | documentary evidence | Evidence consisting of documents |
| prova orale / testimonianza | oral evidence / testimony | Evidence given by a witness |
| interrogatorio formale | formal examination of a party | Italian procedural device; narrower than common-law examination |
| interrogatorio libero | informal examination / free examination | Non-sworn questioning by the judge |
| confessione | admission / confession | Formal admission with evidential effect |
| giuramento decisorio | decisive oath | Italian evidentiary mechanism with no common-law equivalent — translator's note |
| consulenza tecnica d'ufficio (CTU) | court-appointed expert evidence | Independent expert appointed by the judge |
| consulente tecnico d'ufficio (CTU) | court-appointed expert | The expert himself |
| consulente tecnico di parte (CTP) | party-appointed expert | Each party's own expert |
| ispezione giudiziale | judicial inspection | Court-ordered site or document inspection |

## Civil Litigation — Hearings, Judgments and Remedies (Italian Mappings)

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| udienza | hearing | Court hearing |
| udienza di trattazione | case management hearing | Procedural hearing on directions |
| udienza istruttoria | evidential hearing | Hearing dedicated to taking evidence |
| udienza di precisazione delle conclusioni | final submissions hearing | Hearing at which parties fix their final claims |
| discussione orale | oral argument | Oral submissions at the end of proceedings |
| rinvio d'udienza | adjournment | Postponement of a hearing |
| sentenza | judgment | Final court ruling — do NOT calque as "sentence" in civil contexts (reserve "sentence" for criminal) |
| sentenza motivata | reasoned judgment | Judgment setting out the court's reasoning |
| sentenza non definitiva / parziale | interim / partial judgment | Judgment on preliminary or partial issue |
| sentenza in contumacia | default judgment | Judgment against an absent party |
| sentenza di rigetto | dismissal / judgment dismissing the claim | — |
| sentenza di accoglimento | judgment upholding the claim | — |
| sentenza di condanna | judgment for the claimant / monetary judgment | Order to pay or perform |
| sentenza di accertamento | declaratory judgment | Declaring rights or status |
| sentenza costitutiva | constitutive judgment | Creating, modifying or extinguishing a legal relationship |
| decreto | decree / order | Formal court decision (often ex parte or summary) |
| risarcimento del danno | damages / compensation | Monetary compensation |
| danno emergente | actual loss / consequential loss | Positive loss suffered |
| lucro cessante | loss of profit / loss of earnings | Profits not earned due to breach |
| danno morale | non-pecuniary damages / damages for moral harm | Compensation for non-economic loss |
| danno biologico | damages for personal injury / damages for biological harm | Italian-specific head of damages — translator's note |
| danno da perdita di chance | damages for loss of opportunity | — |
| danno punitivo | punitive / exemplary damages | Recognized in limited cases in Italy post-2017 |
| interessi legali | statutory interest | Interest at the statutory rate |
| interessi moratori | default interest / interest on late payment | Interest for late performance |
| spese di lite / spese processuali | legal costs / costs of proceedings | Costs awarded to the successful party |
| esecuzione specifica | specific performance | Equitable remedy requiring performance |
| sentenza ex art. 2932 c.c. | judgment granting specific performance (Article 2932 ICC) | Italian-specific remedy compelling execution of a preliminary contract |
| provvedimento d'urgenza (art. 700 c.p.c.) | urgent interim relief / Article 700 application | Italian residual interim remedy |
| sequestro giudiziario | judicial seizure | Seizure pending determination of ownership |
| sospensione del procedimento | stay of proceedings | Suspension of the case |
| cancellazione dal ruolo | strike out from the cause list | Removal from active list (with possibility of reinstatement) |
| estinzione del processo | extinction of proceedings / discontinuance by lapse | Italian procedural extinction |

## Civil Litigation — Appeals, Cassation and Enforcement (Italian Mappings)

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| impugnazione | challenge / appeal | Generic term for challenges to judgments |
| appello | appeal | Ordinary appeal to the Corte d'appello |
| Corte d'appello | Court of Appeal | Second-instance civil court |
| appellante | appellant | Party bringing the appeal |
| appellato | respondent (on appeal) | Party responding to the appeal |
| motivi di appello | grounds of appeal | Specific challenges raised |
| atto di citazione in appello | notice of appeal | Document initiating the appeal |
| ricorso per cassazione | appeal to the Court of Cassation / cassation appeal | Appeal limited to points of law |
| Corte di Cassazione | Court of Cassation / Supreme Court | Highest Italian civil court (point of law only) |
| ricorso straordinario per cassazione | extraordinary cassation appeal | Appeal under Article 111 Constitution |
| Sezioni Unite (della Cassazione) | Joint Sections / Grand Chamber of the Court of Cassation | Plenary formation on points of major importance |
| revocazione | revocation / revision (of judgment) | Extraordinary remedy to set aside a judgment on specified grounds |
| opposizione di terzo | third-party opposition | Remedy for a third party affected by a judgment |
| passaggio in giudicato | becoming final / time for appeal expiring | Point at which a judgment becomes res judicata |
| titolo esecutivo | enforceable title | Enforceable instrument (judgment, notarial deed) — civil-law concept, needs explanation in English |
| precetto | enforcement notice | Mandatory Italian pre-enforcement notice to the debtor |
| pignoramento | attachment / seizure (for enforcement) | Seizure of assets in enforcement |
| pignoramento presso terzi | third-party debt order / garnishee order | Seizure of debts owed to the debtor by a third party |
| pignoramento mobiliare | seizure of movables | Seizure of chattels |
| pignoramento immobiliare | seizure of real property | Seizure of real property |
| vendita all'asta / vendita forzata | judicial sale / sale at auction | Enforced sale of seized assets |
| opposizione all'esecuzione | opposition to enforcement | Debtor's challenge to enforcement |
| opposizione agli atti esecutivi | opposition to enforcement acts | Challenge to specific procedural steps of enforcement |
| exequatur / delibazione | recognition and enforcement / exequatur | Procedure for recognizing foreign judgments or awards |

## Administrative Litigation (Italian Mappings)

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| giustizia amministrativa | administrative justice / administrative law | Public-law litigation |
| giudizio amministrativo | administrative proceedings | Public-law proceedings |
| TAR (Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale) | Regional Administrative Court | First-instance administrative court in Italy |
| Consiglio di Stato | Council of State | Highest Italian administrative court |
| Adunanza Plenaria del Consiglio di Stato | Plenary Chamber of the Council of State | Plenary formation for major points of principle |
| ricorso amministrativo | administrative application / appeal | Generic term for public-law applications |
| ricorso al TAR | application to the Regional Administrative Court | First-instance public-law application |
| ricorso straordinario al Presidente della Repubblica | extraordinary application to the President of the Republic | Italian extraordinary remedy; alternative to TAR application |
| ricorso gerarchico | hierarchical administrative appeal | Appeal within the administrative hierarchy |
| ricorso in opposizione | opposition (administrative) | Opposition to the same administrative body |
| ricorso per revocazione | revocation application | Administrative equivalent of revision |
| atto amministrativo | administrative act / administrative decision | Act of a public body producing legal effects |
| provvedimento amministrativo | administrative decision / measure | Specific binding administrative decision |
| provvedimento definitivo | final administrative decision | Decision against which judicial review is available |
| atto normativo / regolamento | regulatory act / regulation | Act of general application |
| atto politico | act of government | Italian category of non-justiciable acts |
| interesse legittimo | legitimate interest | Italian public-law standing concept with no direct common-law equivalent — retain with translator's note |
| diritto soggettivo | subjective right / right | Civil-law concept contrasted with legitimate interest |
| interesse ad agire | sufficient interest / standing | Standing to bring proceedings |
| legittimazione ad agire | locus standi / standing | Legal capacity to bring proceedings |
| controinteressato | interested party | Third party with counter-interest, joined as party |
| vizi di legittimità | grounds of unlawfulness | Statutory grounds for annulment |
| incompetenza | lack of jurisdiction / incompetence | Act taken by wrong body |
| violazione di legge | breach of law / illegality | Substantive unlawfulness |
| eccesso di potere | excess of power / irrationality | Italian equivalent of Wednesbury unreasonableness and procedural impropriety; catch-all review ground |
| difetto di motivazione | failure to give reasons / inadequate reasoning | Breach of duty to give reasons |
| annullamento dell'atto | annulment / quashing of the act | Setting aside of administrative decision |
| sospensione cautelare | interim suspension / precautionary suspension | Suspension pending hearing |
| ordine giudiziale di provvedere | mandatory order (UK) / mandamus (US) | Order requiring the body to act |
| silenzio-inadempimento | silence-failure to act | Italian doctrine on failure of the administration to act |
| silenzio-assenso | tacit approval / silence-consent | Italian doctrine deeming silence as approval |
| esaurimento dei rimedi amministrativi | exhaustion of administrative remedies | Requirement to use internal remedies first (where applicable) |
| giurisdizione esclusiva del giudice amministrativo | exclusive jurisdiction of the administrative court | Areas reserved exclusively to administrative courts under Italian law |
| ricorso in materia di appalti pubblici | public procurement challenge | Challenge to award of public contracts |
| espropriazione per pubblica utilità | expropriation / compulsory purchase | Taking of private property for public purpose |
| indennità di esproprio | compensation for expropriation | Compensation on compulsory acquisition |
| sanzione amministrativa | administrative sanction / administrative penalty | Non-criminal penalty imposed by a regulator |

## Criminal Proceedings (Italian Mappings)

| Italian term | English equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| procedimento penale | criminal proceedings | State-led proceedings to determine criminal liability |
| reato | criminal offense / crime | Prohibited conduct |
| delitto | indictable offence (UK) / felony (US) | Serious criminal offence under Italian law |
| contravvenzione | summary offence (UK) / misdemeanor (US) | Less serious criminal offence |
| imputato | defendant / accused | Person formally charged — do NOT calque as "imputed" |
| indagato | suspect | Person under investigation not yet charged |
| persona offesa dal reato | victim / complainant | Victim of the offense |
| parte civile | civil party | Victim joining criminal proceedings to claim damages — no direct common-law equivalent; retain with translator's note |
| costituzione di parte civile | joining as civil party | Formal step of joining criminal proceedings as civil party |
| pubblico ministero (PM) | public prosecutor | Italian prosecuting authority — do NOT calque as "public ministry" |
| Procura della Repubblica | Office of the Public Prosecutor / Prosecutor's Office | Public prosecutor's office |
| giudice per le indagini preliminari (GIP) | pre-trial investigating judge | Judge supervising the preliminary investigation phase |
| giudice dell'udienza preliminare (GUP) | judge of the preliminary hearing | Judge deciding whether to commit for trial |
| polizia giudiziaria | criminal investigation police | Italian police performing investigation under prosecutor's direction |
| indagini preliminari | preliminary investigation | Pre-charge investigative phase |
| avviso di garanzia | notice of investigation | Italian procedural notice to a suspect |
| informazione di garanzia | notice of rights | — |
| fermo di polizia | police custody / police detention | Short-term detention without warrant |
| custodia cautelare | pre-trial detention / remand in custody | Detention before trial |
| misure cautelari personali | personal precautionary measures | Measures restricting liberty (detention, house arrest) |
| misure cautelari reali | precautionary measures on assets | Asset-related precautionary measures (sequestro) |
| arresti domiciliari | house arrest | Detention at home |
| divieto di dimora / obbligo di dimora | residence prohibition / residence obligation | Italian precautionary measures on movement |
| libertà provvisoria / libertà su cauzione | bail / release on bail | Bail equivalents |
| diritto al silenzio | right to silence | Constitutional right |
| diritto di difesa | right to defense | Constitutional right (Art. 24) |
| avvocato difensore | defense counsel | Defendant's lawyer |
| patrocinio a spese dello Stato | legal aid | State-funded legal representation |
| udienza preliminare | preliminary hearing / committal hearing | Hearing to decide whether to commit for trial |
| rinvio a giudizio | committal for trial / sending for trial | Decision to commit defendant for trial |
| decreto di rinvio a giudizio | indictment / committal order | Formal order sending for trial |
| non luogo a procedere | no case to answer / dismissal before trial | Decision not to proceed |
| dibattimento | trial | The main trial phase |
| rito abbreviato | abbreviated / summary trial | Italian simplified trial procedure with sentence discount |
| patteggiamento / applicazione della pena su richiesta | plea bargaining / plea agreement | Italian plea agreement procedure |
| oblazione | payment in lieu of prosecution (minor offenses) | Payment extinguishing prosecution for minor offenses |
| messa alla prova | probation / suspension of proceedings with testing | Alternative to prosecution with rehabilitative conditions |
| decreto penale di condanna | penal order / summary penal decree | Summary conviction by decree for minor offenses |
| sentenza penale | criminal judgment / sentence | Final decision in criminal case — here "sentence" is appropriate (criminal context) |
| condanna | conviction | Finding of guilt |
| assoluzione | acquittal | Verdict of not guilty |
| formula "perché il fatto non sussiste" | acquittal on the ground that the offense was not committed | Italian acquittal formula |
| formula "perché il fatto non costituisce reato" | acquittal on the ground that the act does not constitute an offense | Italian acquittal formula |
| formula "per non aver commesso il fatto" | acquittal on the ground of not being the offender | Italian acquittal formula |
| prescrizione del reato | statute of limitations / limitation period (criminal) | Italian criminal limitation — time-bar of the offense |
| pena detentiva | custodial sentence / imprisonment | Prison sentence |
| reclusione | imprisonment (for delitti) | Sentence for indictable offenses |
| arresto | imprisonment (for contravvenzioni) / detention (minor custodial) | Confusingly also means "arrest" — context-dependent |
| ergastolo | life imprisonment | Italian life sentence |
| multa | fine (for delitti) | Fine for indictable offenses |
| ammenda | fine (for contravvenzioni) | Fine for minor offenses |
| sospensione condizionale della pena | suspended sentence | Custodial sentence whose execution is suspended |
| pene accessorie | ancillary penalties | Disqualifications, bans, and other non-custodial penalties |
| interdizione dai pubblici uffici | disqualification from public office | — |
| confisca | confiscation | Permanent deprivation of assets |
| confisca per equivalente | equivalent-value confiscation | Confiscation up to the value of the proceeds |
| risarcimento alla parte civile | compensation to the civil party | Payment to victim joined as civil party |
| giudizio di appello penale | criminal appeal | Appeal against conviction/sentence |
| Corte d'appello (sezione penale) | Court of Appeal (criminal division) | Second-instance criminal court |
| ricorso per cassazione penale | criminal cassation appeal | Appeal on points of law to Court of Cassation |
| ne bis in idem | double jeopardy / ne bis in idem | Prohibition on repeated prosecution for the same offense |
| estradizione | extradition | Surrender to another state |
| mandato d'arresto europeo (MAE) | European Arrest Warrant (EAW) | EU instrument |
| rogatoria | mutual legal assistance request / letter of request | Cross-border judicial assistance |
| D.Lgs. 231/2001 | Legislative Decree 231/2001 | Italian regime of corporate criminal liability |
| responsabilità amministrativa degli enti | corporate administrative liability / corporate (quasi-)criminal liability | Italian corporate liability regime under D.Lgs. 231 — quasi-criminal in effect |

## Italian Civil Procedure Code (c.p.c.) and Related References

| Italian | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| codice di procedura civile (c.p.c.) | Italian Code of Civil Procedure | — |
| codice di procedura penale (c.p.p.) | Italian Code of Criminal Procedure | — |
| codice del processo amministrativo (c.p.a.) | Italian Code of Administrative Procedure | — |
| articolo 183 c.p.c. | Article 183 of the Code of Civil Procedure | First hearing and exchange of pleadings |
| articolo 614-bis c.p.c. | Article 614-bis of the Code of Civil Procedure | Indirect enforcement / astreinte |
| articolo 700 c.p.c. | Article 700 of the Code of Civil Procedure | Residual urgent interim relief |
| articolo 2932 c.c. | Article 2932 of the Civil Code | Specific performance of preliminary contract |

## Notes for Translators — Litigation

- **"Sentenza" is NOT "sentence" (civil/administrative)**: In civil and administrative contexts, "sentenza" is always "judgment" in English. "Sentence" is reserved for criminal proceedings (the punishment imposed on conviction). This is one of the most common and most damaging calques in Italian→English legal translation.

- **"Imputato" is NOT "imputed"**: The correct English equivalents are "defendant" or "accused". Never calque.

- **"Interesse legittimo"**: A core concept of Italian administrative law with no direct common-law equivalent. It occupies the space between a subjective right (diritto soggettivo) and a mere factual interest. Retain the Italian term with a translator's note where precision is required, or use "legitimate interest" with a note explaining the civil-law distinction.

- **"Eccesso di potere"**: Italian umbrella ground of administrative review that covers what in English law would be split between irrationality (Wednesbury) and procedural impropriety. Translate as "excess of power" or "irrationality/procedural impropriety" depending on the facts; a translator's note helps.

- **"Pubblico ministero"**: Never calque as "public ministry". Correct: "public prosecutor" or "prosecuting authority". In Italian documents the acronym "PM" is standard — may be retained with a translator's gloss on first use.

- **"D.Lgs. 231/2001"**: The Italian corporate quasi-criminal liability regime. Technically classified as "administrative" under Italian law but is functionally criminal (investigated by prosecutors, tried in criminal courts, involves fines and disqualifications). In English, "corporate (quasi-)criminal liability" or "administrative liability of entities" with a translator's note is the safest formulation.

- **"Patteggiamento"**: Italian plea-bargaining procedure. "Plea bargaining" or "plea agreement" is acceptable, but note that the Italian procedure has specific features (e.g. the court reviews the agreement and issues a special form of sentence). Translator's note helpful in technical contexts.

- **"Parte civile"**: The Italian mechanism by which a victim joins criminal proceedings to claim damages. There is no direct common-law equivalent (UK/US victims bring separate civil proceedings). Retain or use "civil party" with a translator's note.

- **"Giudicato"**: "Res judicata" is the direct translation, but "giudicato" can also mean "final judgment" (the judgment that has become res judicata). Context dictates — sometimes "final and binding judgment" reads better.

- **"Esecuzione" vs "sentenza esecutiva"**: "Esecuzione" = enforcement/execution. "Esecutivo" = enforceable. Do not calque "sentenza esecutiva" as "executive judgment" — correct is "enforceable judgment".

- **"Cassazione"**: Keep the capitalized English name "Court of Cassation" for the Corte di Cassazione. The concept of cassation (appeal on points of law only, without retrial of facts) is civil-law-specific — a translator's note is warranted where the procedural limits matter.
