Amparo
From Spanish-speaking legal systems
Constitutional and public law
What it means
A special court action that lets a person ask a judge to protect their constitutional rights quickly against the government. The Spanish word means 'protection'.
Why it travels badly
It behaves a little like habeas corpus, a little like an injunction and a little like judicial review, so no single English term fits. Each country that has it also uses it differently.
How other systems say it
amparo
A broad remedy against laws and acts of authorities that violate constitutional rights; in Mexico it can also reach court decisions.
recurso de amparo
An individual complaint to the Constitutional Court once ordinary remedies have been used.
mandado de segurança / habeas corpus
Brazil uses a writ of security for rights not covered by habeas corpus.
Tip for translators and students
Keep 'amparo' in the original and gloss it as 'a constitutional-rights remedy' on first use.
See the Legal Dictionary entry →
Related: Rechtsstaat
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
TheLawToKnow Tools’s glossary is an educational overview of the main differences between legal systems. It is not legal advice.
