Oikeudenkäymyskaari

Oikeudenkäymyskaari is the Finnish term for the Code of Judicial Procedure. It is the primary legislation governing civil, criminal, and administrative court proceedings in Finland. Enacted in its current form in 1948, it has undergone numerous amendments to adapt to societal changes and evolving legal principles. The Code details the fundamental rights and obligations of parties involved in legal disputes, outlines the procedures for initiating and conducting cases, and specifies the powers and responsibilities of courts and legal professionals.

The Oikeudenkäymyskaari establishes the principles of fair trial, including the right to a public hearing, the presumption of innocence in criminal cases, and the right to legal representation. It governs aspects such as evidence gathering and presentation, appeals processes, and the enforcement of judgments. The Code is divided into different books, each addressing specific types of proceedings or procedural stages. Its aim is to ensure that legal processes are conducted efficiently, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law, providing a framework for the administration of justice in Finland.