Hallintooikeutta

Hallintooikeutta, often referred to as administrative law, is the branch of public law that regulates the activities of public administration and the relationship between authorities and private individuals or organizations. It governs how public power is exercised, focusing on the legality, legitimacy, and reasonableness of administrative decisions and the procedures by which those decisions are made and reviewed.

Scope and core content: Hallintooikeuden velvoitteet include the rules governing decision-making processes (such as evidence gathering, consideration of interests, and requirement of reasoned decisions), the rights of individuals in administrative procedures, and the remedies available when decisions are challenged. It covers licensing, benefits and social safety issues, taxation, environmental regulation, and other areas where public authorities exercise discretionary or regulatory powers. Proportionality, equality, non-discrimination, and due process are central principles, as are the limits on public authority and accountability in administration.

Sources and institutions: In Finland, hallintooikeuden normit derive from the Constitution (Perustuslaki), general and sectoral legislation such as the Administrative Procedure Act (hallintomenettelylaki) and various sector laws, as well as EU law influencing national administrative practice. The supervisory and appellate system includes administrative courts (hallintotuomioistuimet) with the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus, KHO) as the highest appellate authority. Individuals and businesses can challenge administrative decisions through appeals (valitus) to these courts and, in some cases, seek other remedies.

Relation to other law: Hallintooikeus interacts closely with constitutional law, civil procedure, and EU law, balancing the need for effective public administration with protection of individuals’ legal rights and remedies.