Tutela
From Colombian law
Constitutional and public law
What it means
A fast court procedure in Colombia that lets anyone ask a judge to protect a basic right from violation or threat. The judge must decide within a short time set by the Constitution.
Why it travels badly
It is related to the amparo of other Spanish-speaking countries, but it works differently. Any judge can hear it, it is informal and does not need a lawyer, and every decision goes to the Constitutional Court, which selects some for review. 'Writ of protection' or 'injunction' misses much of this.
How other systems say it
acción de tutela (Article 86 of the Constitution)
Any person can bring it to any judge. The judge must decide within ten days.
juicio de amparo
A federal remedy against acts of authorities that violate constitutional rights.
mandado de segurança (Article 5, LXIX)
A writ against an unlawful act of a public authority that violates a clear right.
injunction or habeas corpus
No single equivalent. Rights are enforced through ordinary lawsuits, injunctions and habeas corpus.
Tip for translators and students
Keep 'tutela' as a loan word in English and explain it in a clause: 'a fast court procedure to protect a basic right'.
Related: Amparo, Habeas data, Judicial review
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.
