Perito

Perito is a term used in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese to denote a person with specialized knowledge or training in a particular field. The word derives from Latin peritus, meaning skilled or experienced.

In legal and official contexts, a perito is an expert who provides technical, scientific, or professional opinions to courts or public administrations. These individuals may be called perito judicial or perito forense and are often appointed to perform inspections, measurements, valuations, or analyses. Their conclusions help decision-makers assess complex issues, and they may be examined by opposing parties or other experts.

Common fields and titles associated with perito include perito contable (forensic or auditing accountant), perito mercantil (business or financial expert), perito agronómico (agricultural expert), and perito industrial (industrial specialist). The term is also used in appraisal contexts, such as perito tasador, for valuing real estate, antiques, or other items. In some jurisdictions, similar roles may be referred to as forensic expert, expert witness, or technical expert, depending on local law and practice.

In everyday language, saying someone is “un perito” generally means they are an expert or highly skilled in a given area. The designation does not automatically signify formal certification; in many systems, becoming a recognized perito requires specific qualifications, licensure, or appointment by a competent authority.