Määruslause

Määruslause is a legal term primarily used in Estonian and Finnish legal systems, referring to a provision within a legislative act, regulation, or decree. It is essentially a clause or article that outlines specific rules, obligations, rights, or procedures. The term can be translated as "provision" or "stipulation" in English.

These clauses are the building blocks of legislation, detailing how a law or regulation is to be applied and interpreted. Each määruslause typically addresses a distinct aspect of the subject matter governed by the act. For instance, a law concerning traffic might have separate määruslaused detailing speed limits, rules for overtaking, or requirements for vehicle registration.

The precision and clarity of each määruslause are crucial for ensuring that the law is understood and enforced consistently. Ambiguity in a määruslause can lead to legal disputes and challenges. Therefore, legislative drafting pays close attention to the exact wording and scope of each provision.

In practice, when interpreting a legal document, legal professionals will refer to specific määruslaused to understand the precise legal requirements or permissions. Courts rely on these clauses to make rulings and settle disputes. The structure of legislative acts is often a series of numbered or lettered määruslaused, making it easier to reference specific parts of the law.