Glossary entry

Spanish term or phrase:

los hechos que se juzgan son previos al decreto

English translation:

the events in question took place prior to the decree

Added to glossary by James A. Walsh
Jul 4, 2017 15:55
6 yrs ago
7 viewers *
Spanish term

los hechos que se juzgan son previos al decreto

Spanish to English Other Journalism Newspaper Article
From a Spanish newspaper article about the 2010 wildcat strike by air traffic controllers in Spain.

Not really sure I understand this correctly, and could do with some help.

Here's the context:

"La Fiscalía presenta una denuncia por sedición contra los controladores

La justicia ordinaria llamará ahora a declarar a quienes hicieron huelga salvaje

La Fiscalía ha decidido no esperar más, y ayer formuló denuncia por un presunto delito de sedición que afecta al total de 175 controladores aéreos que el pasado día 3 se ausentaron o no acudieron a sus puestos de trabajo. La iniciativa se ha tomado ante la jurisdicción ordinaria, pese a que persiste el estado de alarma. El motivo es que los hechos que se juzgan son previos al decreto que puso los aeropuertos bajo control de las autoridades militares.

Los fiscales habrían querido interrogar a los controladores antes de poner el asunto en manos de un juez, pero cuando fueron citados se negaron a declarar. Entonces dijeron que se consideraban sujetos a la jurisdicción militar. La Fiscalía no logró convencerles de lo contrario y ahora tendrán que comparecer ante un juez civil u ordinario, ante el que también podrán negarse a declarar, pero que no por eso dejará de tomar medidas cautelares, si cree que son procedentes."

Going into UK English. Thanks in advance.

Discussion

James A. Walsh (asker) Jul 4, 2017:
Cheers folks… Really appreciate your help. Was a bit brain-dead today from lots of very colourful French when this gem urgently landed on my lap, and I think it was the writer’s style that threw my most. I just couldn’t render “los hechos que se juzgan son previos al” into any sort of meaningful journalistic language that sounded good in English. Much clearer now — thanks again!
Robert Carter Jul 4, 2017:
Ah, so I was being dense. Thanks, Cecilia :-)
Cecilia Gowar Jul 4, 2017:
@Robert The case fell under ordinary jurisdiction, despite the "state of alarm" still in effect, the reason being that the events took place before the decree granting the military such jurisdiction.
Robert Carter Jul 4, 2017:
Hi all. I'm probably being dense here, but can anyone explain to me what the sentence is actually saying here. Why is it preceded by "El motivo es que..."? The reason for what, exactly?

Proposed translations

28 mins
Selected

the facts/events in question took place prior to the decree

los hechos que se juzgan son previos al decreto que puso los aeropuertos bajo control de las autoridades militares

the facts/events in question/under review took place before/prior to the decree placing airports under military control/supervision

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Note added at 31 mins (2017-07-04 16:26:37 GMT)
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not happy with "facts" here ... it really refers to "events"
Note from asker:
I used a slight variation of "events in question took place prior to," - thanks, David. And everyone else for your help too. Appreciated ;-)
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "I used a slight variation of "events in question took place prior to," - thanks, David. And everyone else for your help too. Appreciated ;-)"
21 mins

The f/acts being judged occurred prior to the decree

Literally. It seems pretty straightforward to me. The actions/events/acts/facts in question occurred before the decree referred to.

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Note added at 23 mins (2017-07-04 16:18:28 GMT)
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I mean if you don't like the wording, for example "judged", you can rephrase it, but the actual meaning seems pretty straightforward.
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+1
49 mins

the incidents in question happened before Spain's military ...

...took over the country's air traffic control.
OR
"the incidents in question happened before the government ordered Spain's military to take over the country's air traffic control"

The events took place before the emergency decree was issued.
Peer comment(s):

agree Robert Carter : "Incidents in question" sounds more natural to me for a news piece.
1 hr
Something went wrong...
13 hrs

the relevant events pre-date the decree

Another suggestion - snappy and journalistic as required.
Note from asker:
"Pre-date" fitted the bill perfect - cheers Dave! ;)
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