Lakisääteisyy

Lakisääteisyys refers to the principle that all actions undertaken by public authorities and officials must have a legal basis. This means that the state, its agencies, and individuals acting on its behalf cannot act arbitrarily but must operate within the bounds of established laws and regulations. The concept is a cornerstone of the rule of law, ensuring that power is exercised legitimately and predictably.

The principle of lakisääteisyys applies to all branches of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The legislature creates laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets and enforces them. Each of these branches is bound by the legal framework they operate within. This principle prevents the abuse of power by ensuring that government actions are transparent and accountable to the law.

For citizens, lakisääteisyys means that they can rely on the fact that government actions affecting them will be based on pre-existing legal rules, not on the whims of officials. It provides a degree of legal certainty and protection against arbitrary interference. If a citizen believes a public authority has acted without legal grounds, they have the right to seek legal recourse and challenge the action in court.

In essence, lakisääteisyys is the bedrock of a just and democratic society, safeguarding both the state's authority and the rights of individuals. It mandates that every official act must be sanctioned by law, thereby fostering trust and legitimacy in governance.