Erikoistuomioistuinten

Erikoistuomioistuinten, meaning "Special Courts" in Finnish, refers to a category of courts in the Finnish legal system that are established to handle specific types of cases outside the general jurisdiction of the ordinary courts (käräjäoikeudet, hovioikeudet, Korkein oikeus). These specialized courts are created to ensure expertise and efficiency in handling complex or particular legal matters.

The most prominent examples of erikoistuomioistuimet include the Market Court (Markkinaoikeus) and the administrative courts (hallinto-oikeudet), and the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus). The Market Court deals with matters related to competition law, public procurement, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection. Its judges often have specialized knowledge in these fields. The administrative courts, on the other hand, review the legality of decisions made by public authorities. This includes areas such as taxation, social welfare, and environmental permits.

The establishment of these special courts reflects a principle of judicial specialization, aiming to provide a higher level of legal expertise and a more streamlined process for cases requiring it. They operate within the framework of the Finnish legal system, adhering to principles of due process and the right to a fair trial, while focusing on their designated areas of competence. Decisions from these courts can often be appealed to higher courts within their respective branches of the judiciary.