Esiselvittäminen

Esiselvittäminen is a Finnish term that translates to "pre-investigation" or "pre-examination." It refers to the initial phase of a formal process, typically within legal, administrative, or investigative contexts, where preliminary information is gathered and assessed. The purpose of esiselvittäminen is to determine if there are sufficient grounds to proceed with a more thorough investigation or formal proceedings.

This phase usually involves collecting readily available documents, interviewing initial witnesses, and conducting a preliminary review of the situation. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to avoid launching full-scale investigations that may ultimately prove unfounded. Esiselvittäminen helps to identify potential issues, assess the relevance of evidence, and define the scope of any subsequent inquiry.

The findings from the esiselvittäminen phase inform a decision on whether to continue with the case. If the preliminary assessment suggests a potential violation, wrongdoing, or the need for further action, the process moves to a more in-depth investigation. Conversely, if the initial review indicates no grounds for further action, the matter may be closed at this stage. This ensures that resources are allocated appropriately and that only cases with a reasonable basis are pursued further.