Теория языка | Филологический аспект №06 (122) Июнь 2025

Структурные особенности терминологической лексики административного права в английском языке и этапы ее развития

Мартынова Наталия Анатольевна
заведующий кафедрой иностранных и русского языков, кандидат филологических наук, доцент, Орловский юридический институт Министерства внутренних дел Российской Федерации имени В.В. Лукьянова, РФ,Орел, natmart79@yandex.ru

Аннотация: Данная работа посвящена рассмотрению структурных особенностей лексики административного права. Изучены особенности юридической терминологической лексики. Были выделены структурные и стилистические характеристики терминологической юридической лексики. В качестве методов исследования были использованы исторический и сравнительно-типологический анализ. На примере терминологической системы административного права проведен диахронический анализ развития юридической терминологической лексики. Уделено внимание источникам терминологической юридической лексики и заимствованиям из латинского языка. Также были исследованы структурные особенности терминологической лексики административного права. И была отмечена необходимость учета контекстуальных особенностей при анализе терминологических единиц, используемых в отрасли административного права.
Ключевые слова: язык права, терминосистема, терминологическая лексика, административное право, заимствования, структурные особенности, контекст

Martynova Nataliya Anatolyevna
Head of the chair of Foreign and Russian languages, Candidate of sciences (Philology), assistant professor, The Orel Law Institute of the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation named after V.V. Lukyanov, Russian Federation, Orel

Abstract: This work is devoted to the consideration of the structural features of the vocabulary of administrative law. The peculiarities of legal terminological vocabulary are studied. The structural and stylistic characteristics of terminological legal vocabulary were highlighted. Historical and comparative-typological analyses were used as research methods. Using the example of the terminological system of administrative law, a diachronic analysis of the development of legal terminological vocabulary is carried out. Attention is paid to the sources of terminological legal vocabulary and borrowings from the Latin language. The structural features of the terminological vocabulary of administrative law were also investigated. And it was noted that it is necessary to take into account contextual features when analyzing terminological units used in the field of administrative law.
Keywords: legal language, terminological system, terminological vocabulary, administrative law, borrowings, structural features, context

Modern education implies an integrated approach to the formation of a future specialist, that is, knowledge and skills are not separated, but presented as a common set of educational components, which helps not only to master theory, but also to use the acquired theoretical knowledge to solve practical problem situations.

In accordance with the state federal educational standard, a specialist must have the following general cultural competencies:

1) summarize and analyze information, set goals;

2) logically correctly, argumentatively and clearly build statements in writing and orally;

3) be ready to cooperate and work with colleagues;

4) strive for self-development, professional development, etc. [1]

Legal discourse is a unique field of language that currently plays a key role in the legal system and the functioning of society. The relevance of studying legal discourse in the context of globalization and internationalization of legal relations is due to several interrelated factors [2].

Terms are a tool with which scientific theories, laws, principles, and provisions are formed [3]. The English language of law, which was formed mainly by borrowing terms and concepts from other languages, and the formation of the legal terminological apparatus have undergone significant changes over the course of several centuries under the influence of geopolitical and social factors. With the development of language, the question arises about its systemic relationships with other spheres of social existence, in particular, with the legal sphere [4].

In the process of studying English legal terminology, it is advisable to consider not only stand-alone terms, but also various legal systems that have become sources of borrowing a vast layer of vocabulary, which is characterized by a huge variety of fields of application, since "patterns of the national legal system should be sought in the grammatical structure of the national language" [5].

The legal vocabulary in English includes special terms and phrases used in law and legal practice. Functionally, the legal vocabulary can be divided into basic legal terms, procedural terms, terms related to rights and freedoms, and terms used to describe legal systems. The first category is represented by terms defining the key concepts of jurisprudence:

- Contract - an agreement between the parties that creates obligations.

- Tort (tort) is an unlawful act that causes harm to another person.

- Liability is a legal obligation to be responsible for one's actions or omissions.

- Plaintiff (plaintiff) - a person filing a lawsuit in court.

- Defender - the person against whom the claim is filed.

Procedural terms are necessary to describe the procedural actions and structural components of the judicial system.:

- Litigation is the process of dispute resolution in court.

 Appeal - the process of appealing a court decision.

- Subpoena (summons) - a document requiring a person to appear in court or provide documents.

Terms related to rights and freedoms define the main priorities of the justice system:

- Rights - legal or moral requirements.

- Freedom - the right to act at one's discretion.

- Due Process - the right to a fair trial.

Terms related to legal systems help to identify the main directions and milestones in the development of legal systems.:

- Common Law is a system of law based on judicial precedents.

- Statute (article of the law) - the law adopted by the legislative body.

- Regulation - rules issued by government agencies.

Specific terms are characteristic of specific areas of development of the theory of law and branches of law, which allows us to identify concepts and tools specific to these areas:

- Arbitration (arbitration) - dispute resolution by a third party.

 - Mediation is a process in which a neutral party helps resolve a conflict.

The developed terminological system allows structuring and describing the legal system tools to the required extent.

Legal vocabulary in English is an important part of the legal system and requires a deep understanding for effective use in legal practice.

Borrowings from Latin play an important role in the legal vocabulary of English, since Latin has historically been the language of science, law, and church administration. Many Latin terms and expressions have been preserved in English legal practice and are still used today. Latin was the language of Roman law, which had a significant impact on the development of European legal systems. In the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of science and education, so legal documents, treatises, and court decisions were often written in Latin. Many legal terms were borrowed directly from Latin texts and preserved in English as specialized vocabulary. Latin borrowings ensure the accuracy and brevity of legal speech, serve as an international standard in legal terminology, and ensure continuity and connection with historical legal traditions. Latin expressions are often written in italics to emphasize their foreign origin. Their use requires knowledge of the meaning and context, which is why they are more common in the professional legal environment.

Borrowings from Latin can be of a different nature. Latin expressions and aphorisms that are used unchanged are often found to denote key concepts in jurisprudence: habeas corpus, pro bono, mens rea, prima facie, sub judice, in absentia. Terms adapted to English grammar make up the bulk of the terminological vocabulary: actus reus (criminal act), bona fide (conscientious), de facto (actually). Terms that have become part of the English language and are used both in legal and everyday speech: alibi, versus, status quo.

We will consider the development of terminological legal vocabulary using the example of the evolution of the terminological system of administrative law.

The history of the development of the terminological vocabulary of administrative law in English is divided into several periods: the early (16th-18th centuries), the period of codification (19th century) and the modern (20th-21st century).

In the early stages of the formation of English administrative law, common legal terms borrowed from Latin and French were used, as well as their own English words denoting administrative functions and bodies. During this period, basic concepts related to governance, judicial proceedings, and State control were being formed.

The early period of the development of the vocabulary of administrative law in English is associated with the formation of the foundations of public administration and the legal norms governing the activities of government agencies. This stage covers the medieval and early modern periods, when the first administrative institutions and the corresponding terminology were formed.

The main feature of the early period is the influence of the Latin language. Most of the legal and administrative vocabulary is borrowed from Latin, which was the language of official documents and court proceedings. For example:

- "Statute" (statute, law) - from Latin. statutum (established)

- "Decree" (decree, resolution) - from Latin. decretum

- "Mandate" (mandate, order) - from Latin. mandatum

There are terms related to land management, tax collection, and the execution of royal decrees: "Bailiff" - an official responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order; "Council" - council, governing body; "Commission" - authority or appointment to a position.

Another feature is the development of the concepts of judicial control and administrative jurisdiction, that is, there are terms denoting procedures and bodies that control the enforcement of laws:

- "Writ" - a court order

- "Chancery" - Chancery, Court of Justice

Thus, the early period of the development of the vocabulary of administrative law in English is characterized by active borrowing from Latin, the formation of terms reflecting the structure and functions of public administration, as well as the development of concepts related to judicial control of administrative actions.

In the 19th century, legislation and administrative institutions were actively developing, which led to the creation of specialized terminology. During this period, new terms related to bureaucracy, regulation, licensing, and control emerged. Borrowings from Latin and French continued to be used, as well as new English words and expressions.

The development of the vocabulary of administrative law in English in the 19th century is associated with a number of social, political and legal changes that occurred during this period. At that time, there was active industrialization, urban growth and the development of public administration, which, in turn, required new terms and concepts to describe administrative processes.

The terminology of administrative law of that period reflected the development of the social formation of that time, which can be observed in the analysis of legal vocabulary:

The source of the terminological units were legislative acts and reforms: Public Health Act (1848): This law became the basis for the creation of a public health system in the UK. The introduction of terms such as "sanitary inspector" and "public health" has become an important step in the development of administrative law.

Management and bureaucracy are reflected in the terminological system of administrative law:

- Civil Service: The emergence of the term "civil service" reflects the development of the state bureaucracy and the need for qualified personnel to manage public affairs.

- Regulatory Framework: The concept of the "regulatory framework" has begun to be actively used to describe the structure and rules governing various spheres of public life.

Judicial terms represent a fairly broadly represented category of terms:

- Judicial Review: The concept of "judicial review" (judicial review) has become an important element of administrative law, allowing courts to verify the legality of government actions.

- Administrative Law: The introduction of the term "administrative law" (administrative law) has become the key to denote the area of law governing the activities of government agencies.

Citizens' rights required categorization and description, and this contributed to the active terminology formation in this subsection of administrative law.:

- Due Process: The concept of "due process" has begun to be actively used in the context of protecting citizens' rights and ensuring fairness in administrative procedures.

- Petition: The term "petition" has become an important tool for citizens, allowing them to contact government agencies with requests or complaints.

The 19th century became an important period for the development of the vocabulary of administrative law in the English language. The emergence of new terms and concepts reflected changes in society and the need for clearer regulation of government processes. These terms continue to be used in modern law, which emphasizes their importance and relevance.

In modern English administrative law, terminology has become more standardized and specialized, taking into account international standards and cooperation. During this period, international and English terms were actively used, as well as borrowings from Latin, French and other languages. New terms related to digital technologies, globalization, and human rights are emerging. As features of the development of the terminological system of administrative law in this period, one can note the active use of Latin and French borrowings, especially in formal and technical terms, the creation of new terms based on English roots and suffixes, as well as the influence of international standards and English as the language of international law.

At the present stage, the terminology of administrative law continues to evolve under the influence of changes in legislation, international standards and management practices. The introduction of new terms related to digital technologies and information is becoming one of the distinctive features of the development of administrative law terminology at this stage:

- E-Government (e-government) - systems of electronic interaction between citizens and government agencies.

- Data Privacy - protection of information of citizens and organizations.

- Digital Governance is the management of government structures using digital technologies.

The natural development of branches of law and their integration, which is also a natural process, leads to an increase in the number of interdisciplinary terms. Due to the development of economics, ecology and technology, new concepts are emerging, for example:

 - Regulatory Impact Assessment (regulatory impact assessment) — analysis of the consequences of new regulations.

- Administrative Oversight - control over the execution of administrative decisions.

- Administrative Procedure - procedure of actions within the framework of an administrative process.

The development of international relations and international cooperation promotes the use of international and English-language standards.

Terms related to international administrative law, such as:

- Administrative Law Compliance (

- Public Administration

-  Transparency is the principle of openness of administrative procedures.

-  Accountability is the responsibility of government authorities towards citizens.

For example, a security agreement has the meanings of ‘security agreement' and ‘loan debt security agreement', that is, this term can be applied in the field of diplomacy and economics; the term issue can be translated as ‘subject of dispute or litigation' and ‘descendants, heirs' [6].

The modern vocabulary of administrative law in English includes many terms that reflect current aspects of management, regulation and law enforcement in the modern legal system.:

- Administrative Law is a field of law that regulates the actions of government agencies and their interaction with citizens. It is a common term in legal practice and literature.

- Regulation – rules established by government agencies to control certain actions or activities. It is used in the context of law enforcement and administrative control.

- Due Process - The right to a fair trial. The principle that ensures that all legal procedures are followed before a citizen can be deprived of his rights. This is a basic principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

- Judicial Review is a process in which courts verify the legality of actions or decisions of administrative authorities, widely discussed in the legal literature and judicial practice.

- The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is a law that regulates the process by which administrative authorities make decisions and issue rules. The main legislative act in the United States regulating administrative processes.

The main sources of terminology of administrative law are:

- Legal codes and laws. For example, the Administrative Procedure Act in the USA.

- Scientific articles and law journals. Publications on administrative law and its development.

- Court decisions. Precedents that shape and clarify the use of terms in administrative law.

- Books and textbooks on administrative law. Extensive sources describing the theory and practice of administrative law.

The modern vocabulary of administrative law in English has several structural features that reflect the specifics of this branch of law and the development of the language at this stage.

The terms of administrative law are traditionally represented by Phrases:

- "Administrative Law" (administrative law)

- "Public Administration" ("Regulatory Framework")

Borrowings and Latinisms represent a significant part of the examples:

- "Ex parte" (unilaterally)

- "De facto" (actually)

- "Ultra vires" (beyond authority)

A large number of terms are represented by complex structures:

- "Administrative Procedure Act"

- "Freedom of Information Act"

The use of abbreviations helps to develop the terminological system of administrative law:

- "FOIA" (Freedom of Information Act)

- "EPA" (Environmental Protection Agency)

It should be noted that there are specific terms:

- "Due process"

- "Administrative discretion"

- "Judicial review"

Contextual features are another important factor that influences the use of terminological vocabulary. Terms can change their meaning depending on the context, for example, "agency" can mean both "agency" and "action". The context must be taken into account: court reporter has the Russian equivalent of "court secretary", and marshal (USA) - "bailiff" [7, p. 157].

These structural features make the legal vocabulary in the field of administrative law in English unique and specific, which is important to take into account when studying and using this terminology.

The modern vocabulary of administrative law in English continues to evolve, reflecting changes in legislation, judicial practice, and public relations. The examples of the above terms show how the language of law adapts to the current realities and requirements of society.

The modern vocabulary of administrative law includes terms related to digital technologies, transparency, responsibility, international interaction and new forms of regulation. These terms reflect current trends in the development of public administration and legal regulation.

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