Ennakkokäsittely

Ennakkokäsittely, a Finnish legal term, refers to the preliminary handling of a legal case. It is a procedural stage that typically occurs before the main trial or hearing. The primary purpose of ennakkokäsittely is to streamline the legal process, clarify the issues in dispute, and prepare the case for a more efficient resolution.

During ennakkokäsittely, the court or relevant authority may engage in several activities. This can include examining the evidence presented by the parties, identifying the legal questions that need to be addressed, and potentially exploring possibilities for a settlement or compromise. It often involves a meeting or a series of communications between the court and the parties involved, or their legal representatives. The goal is to identify the essential elements of the case and eliminate any extraneous matters.

Ennakkokäsittely can take different forms depending on the type of legal proceedings. In civil cases, it might involve clarifying the claims and defenses. In criminal cases, it could focus on the evidence, witness lists, and potential plea bargains. The objective remains consistent: to ensure that the subsequent stages of the legal process are as focused and productive as possible, saving time and resources for both the parties and the judicial system. This preliminary phase helps to avoid unnecessary delays and surprises during the main proceedings.