In Spanish legal texts, words like “parte” and “demandado” have precise meanings, but learners often confuse them—especially English speakers who are used to the word “party” being more generic. Getting these terms right is essential when reading or drafting legal documents, because they affect who has claims, who defends, and how responsibilities are assigned. 

In this article, we’ll clarify the difference between parte and demandado in legal Spanish, show how each is used in legal contexts (with examples using vos and tú), and provide tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Meaning and Role: “Parte” vs. “Demandado”

Parte

• Parte (literally “party”) is a general term for any person or entity that participates in a legal proceeding. It could be the plaintiff, the defendant, or any entity with standing in the suit.
  
  

• In English legal language, “party” is often used to denote a side in litigation (e.g., “the plaintiff is a party,” “the defendant is a party”).
  
  

• In Spanish, parte appears in phrases like “las partes demandantes y demandadas”, “la parte actora”, “parte demandante”, etc.
  
  

Demandado

• Demandado is the specific term for the defendant—that party against whom a lawsuit is filed.
  
  

• The demandado is the party obliged to respond to claims, provide a defense, or answer a complaint.
  
  

• It’s more specific than parte, since every demandado is a parte, but not every parte is a demandado.
  
  

How They Are Used in Legal Documents

Here are instructive examples of how these terms appear in Spanish legal texts:

1. When referring to both parties in a lawsuit
   
   
   “En este juicio, las partes han presentado pruebas.”
   (“In this litigation, the parties have submitted evidence.”)
   Here, partes includes both the plaintiff(s) and the defendant(s).
   
   
   

2. Identifying who sues and who is sued
   
   
   “La parte demandante solicita que vos seas considerado responsable.”
   (“The plaintiff party requests that you be held liable.”)
   “El demandado deberá contestar la demanda dentro del plazo legal.”
   (“The defendant must answer the complaint within the legal deadline.”)
   
   
   

3. Mixed usage in clauses
   
   
   “Si la parte demandada no apela, las demás partes podrán solicitar ejecución.”
   (“If the defendant party does not appeal, the other parties may request enforcement.”)
   Here, “parte demandada” is used—combining the general and specific roles.
   
   

Why the Distinction Matters

Legal Clarity and Precision

Using parte when you mean demandado, or vice versa, can cause confusion in legal drafting. For instance, if a contract or court order refers to “la parte” without specifying demandante or demandado, the reader must infer who is meant, which may lead to ambiguity.

Rights and Duties

• A parte in litigation has rights (to submit evidence, appeal, etc.), regardless of whether it is suing or defending.
  
  

• A demandado specifically has the duty to respond to claims, defend against allegations, and fulfill the court’s directions.
  
  

Understanding which roles apply to which party is crucial. If vos eres designado demandado, sabes que debes responder en el proceso. Si tú eres la parte demandante, tienes la carga de probar tu caso.

Common Mistakes by English Speakers

1. Using parte when you should say demandado
   
   

   • Incorrect: “La parte debe contestar la demanda.” (ambiguous)
     
     

   • Better: “El demandado debe contestar la demanda.”
     
     

2. Overusing demandado when referring to all parties
   
   

   • If a document says “el demandado y demandante” to include both, it becomes awkward. Better to use partes.
     
     

3. Forgetting plural and gender agreement
   
   

   • Demandado / demandada / demandados / demandadas depending on who is sued.
     
     

   • Partes is plural gender-neutral for people or entities.
     
     

Practical Advice for Learners & Translators

• When drafting or translating legal Spanish, always check context to see whether you mean “all parties” (use parte(s)) or specifically “the defendant” (use demandado(a)(s)).
  
  

• In contracts, lawsuits, or pleadings, introduce parties clearly: “La parte demandante, Juan Pérez; el demandado, Empresa ABC S.A.”
  
  

• If using vos and tú in examples or conversational drafts, keep roles consistent:
  
  “Vos, como demandado, tenés que responder en veinte días.”
  “Tú, como parte demandante, podés presentar pruebas ahora.”