Eriseaduslike

Eriseaduslike is a term used in Estonian legal discourse to describe norms or acts that resemble law in their binding effect but are not adopted through the ordinary legislative process. The word combines eri- meaning “special” or “exceptional” with seadus, meaning “law,” and the suffix -like to denote resemblance. In practice, eriseaduslike acts function like legal norms while often arising from executive or administrative authorities during exceptional circumstances.

Forms commonly cited as eriseaduslike include government decrees, ministerial orders, emergency regulations, and other instruments that are legally binding but issued outside parliament's standard passage. They may be intended to address urgent needs, implement emergency measures, or fill regulatory gaps when time or political processes constrain ordinary lawmaking. Such instruments are sometimes temporary and may include sunset clauses or requirements for later parliamentary confirmation or judicial review.

Legal status and debate surrounding eriseaduslike norms center on questions of democratic legitimacy and checks and balances. Because they bypass the standard legislative procedure, they can raise concerns about accountability, transparency, and the scope of executive power. Jurisdictions differ in how they oversee, limit, or sunset these acts, and in how they subject them to courts or legislative ratification.

In comparative law, similar concepts appear as emergency decrees, delegated or executive regulations, and other forms of delegated legislation. The term eriseaduslike is mainly used in Estonian academic and legal discussions to describe these legally binding, non-standard instruments and their place within constitutional order. See also: emergency powers, delegated legislation, executive orders.