Kohtuotsustel

Kohtuotsustel is the Estonian term used to refer to court judgments and the body of jurisprudence in Estonia. It covers decisions issued by courts across civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional matters, and emphasizes how courts interpret and apply laws to individual cases as well as how their reasoning may influence future rulings.

In Estonia’s legal tradition, judgments interpret statutes, fill gaps in the law, and resolve disputes. Court decisions often address issues of statutory interpretation, constitutional guarantees, and procedural questions. While they are not enacted by the legislature, the reasoning of higher courts provides persuasive guidance and, in many cases, binds lower courts within the jurisdiction of that court.

Circulation and access to kohtuotsustel are through official publications and court portals. Decisions are published in official outlets such as Riigi Teataja and on court websites, with summaries or headnotes available to assist legal practitioners. The term is commonly used in legal writing and discussions to reference case law as a source of legal interpretation and practice, illustrating how judicial reasoning shapes the application of law in Estonia.