procesal

procedural

adjective proh-seh-SAHL Rare

Origin: From proceso (process, from Latin 'processus') + the suffix '-al'.

Usage Note

Procesal is a strictly legal adjective meaning 'relating to legal procedure or process'. It almost never appears outside legal and judicial contexts. Key phrases include derecho procesal (procedural law), garantías procesales (procedural guarantees), and costas procesales (court costs). It contrasts with sustantivo or material — the substantive law that defines rights, versus procesal law that governs how those rights are enforced.

Examples

"El abogado alegó una infracción del derecho procesal."

Natural Translation

The lawyer alleged a violation of procedural law.

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