Hallintolainkäyttölaissa

Hallintolainkäyttölaki, known in Finnish as the Act on Administrative Judicial Procedure, is the central statute governing proceedings in Finland’s administrative courts. It regulates how decisions issued by authorities and public administration can be challenged, who may participate in such proceedings, and how the process is conducted. The law aims to secure legality, proper administration, and protection of individual rights in administrative matters.

The scope of the act covers which acts and decisions are subject to review, who has standing to bring an appeal, and what constitutes a valid administrative decision for purposes of review. It sets out rules on exhausting ordinary remedies before bringing a case to the administrative court, and it prescribes time limits for filing, as well as general requirements for admissibility and procedural fairness. The act also addresses the right to access to the courts, representation by counsel or other authorized persons, and the use of procedural instruments such as evidence gathering and oral hearings.

Procedural rules under hallintolainkäyttölaki govern how a case is initiated (typically through a formal appeal to the administrative court), how information is exchanged between parties, and how hearings are conducted, including language considerations and costs. The law authorizes provisional or interim measures, such as suspending the enforceability of a challenged decision in certain circumstances, to balance timely resolution with procedural safeguards.

The typical route of governance under the act starts with a first-instance administrative court, with possibilities for appeal to a higher administrative court and, in certain cases, leave to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court. The act thus underpins the organization of Finland’s administrative judicial system and coordinates with sector-specific legislation governing taxation, social security, urban planning, and other administrative areas.