Hallintooikeus

Hallintooikeus refers to the administrative jurisdiction and, more broadly, to the branch of Finnish law that governs public administration. It concerns disputes where public authorities act or decisions are made that affect private rights or duties, as well as cases about the legality of administrative measures.

In Finland, the administrative jurisdiction is exercised by administrative courts (hallintotuomioistuimet) and, at the apex, by the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus). A typical process begins in an Administrative Court, which reviews decisions issued by state ministries, government agencies, municipalities and other public bodies. The court assesses legality, compliance with procedural requirements, and the justification of the decision; it can quash or modify a decision and, in some cases, remand the matter to the authority for a new decision. If a party remains dissatisfied, an appeal may be made to the Supreme Administrative Court, subject to leave, which reviews questions of law and the application of law rather than new factual findings.

Common areas of hallintooikeus include social security and immigration decisions, taxation, environmental and planning permits, and various municipal actions that affect individuals and companies. Administrative proceedings are governed by specific procedural rules that emphasize timely and formal review and, in many cases, offer remedies that are distinct from ordinary civil or criminal procedures.

The hallintooikeus differs from private law and from constitutional questions, as its main purpose is to control the legality and proper administration of public power, while preserving the competence of public authorities to administer public programs and ensure public interests.