Comparicion v Comparecencia

Question

Hello, In relation to the word for appearance (before a court / judge / investigation), are both of the above words correct to use to signify "comparecer"? Is there any difference between them?

According to the dictionary, they both mean appearance.

Thanks,

Aodhan

Answer 1

Correct. That's the correct usage in Spanish. You cannot say "apariencia" or "comparición" in this case, the latter does not exist.

So is "comparecencia" the only word to use for "appearance" in court? - Jubilado, Aug 3, 2013

Yes, out of "comparecer" - chileno, Aug 3, 2013

two more words for appearance in court: personarse (en el tribunal o con el juez) y presentarse (ante el tribunal o ante el juez) - pacofinkler, Aug 3, 2013

Paco, yes, but those including "apersonarse" have be used in other contexts also, but comparecer, is always before an authority. - chileno, Aug 3, 2013

I am not saying apersonarse here. I wrote "personarse" and "presentarse ante" Both are very common in the juridical world as an alternative to comparecer. My lovely wife just happens to be a practising attorney in Mexico, and she uses them often. - pacofinkler, Aug 3, 2013

Paco, I was adding "apersonarse" to those you listed. I didn't they are not used in the legal system. ;) - chileno, Aug 3, 2013

Answer 2

Paco: From RAE:

comparecencia

apersonarse

presentar(se)

EDIT of the prior comments

Paco, yes, but those including "apersonarse" can be used in other contexts also, but comparecer, is always before an authority.

Paco, I was adding "apersonarse" to those you listed. I didn't say they are not used in the legal/court system.

Now, I see why you arguing this. Because I said to Jubilado that it was the only word for "appearance"... right? Well, I keep my position. Read below:

appearance = comparecencia

present before = presentar ante

apersonarse = appear in person

All of them are used in both court systems, right?

Gracias, de mi parte. - Jubilado, Aug 3, 2013

de nada. :) - chileno, Aug 4, 2013

Chileno' to clarify: "personarse" without the "a" is a legal term. It's meaning is "comparecer". RAE confirms. - pacofinkler, Aug 4, 2013

Did you try apersonarse, first? ;) - chileno, Aug 4, 2013

I know, I know, you have more time being stubborn, but I am getting there... ;) - chileno, Aug 4, 2013