Hukkamääränä

Hukkamääränä is a term used in Finnish law to refer to a legal provision that automatically revokes a person's right to vote or stand for election if they are found guilty of certain crimes. This provision is outlined in the Finnish Penal Code, specifically in Chapter 11, Section 12, which states that a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year loses their right to vote and stand for election. This loss of rights is retroactive, meaning it applies from the date of the conviction, and it remains in effect until the person has served their sentence and been released from prison.

The hukkamääränä provision is designed to prevent individuals who have committed serious crimes from participating in the democratic process. It is important to note that the loss of voting rights and the right to stand for election does not affect the person's other legal rights or their ability to hold public office, as these are governed by separate provisions in the Finnish Constitution and other laws.

The hukkamääränä provision has been the subject of debate and discussion in Finnish society, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to maintain the integrity of the democratic process, while others contend that it is too harsh and disproportionate, particularly in cases where the crime was committed a long time ago and the person has since reformed. Despite these debates, the hukkamääränä provision remains an important aspect of Finnish criminal law and continues to be applied in accordance with the provisions of the Finnish Penal Code.