Legal metaphors in translation: The Great Chain of Being

There is wide literature on metaphor and legal language (e.g., Henly 1987; Twardzisz 2008, amongst many others). Certainly, metaphor is a part of legal language (Alcaraz and Hughes 2002: 43), but not just an ornamental part. Metaphors may play a very important role in legal texts, a cognitive role. They can convey intricate legal notions and may also communicate certain opinions and perspectives (Dickerson 1996: 374; Joo 2002: 23). Another interesting aspect connected with metaphors in the language of law is translation. We must bear in mind that legal translation has its own special difficulties, such as complex terminology and usually two very dissimilar legal systems as background (Soriano 2002: 53; Gémar 2002: 167). Metaphorical expressions constitute an additional hindrance for legal translators since they transfer a metaphorical image together with a legal concept. In the present study we aim at analysing some metaphorical expressions found in the United States Supreme Court opinions and their translation. We will focus on the scrutiny of some English–Spanish translation strategies in order to comment on the solutions adopted. Our hope is to shed some light on the field of legal translation regarding metaphors.