Oikeudenkäytön

Oikeudenkäytön refers to the administration of justice in Finnish legal contexts. It encompasses the entire process by which legal disputes are resolved and laws are enforced by courts and other judicial bodies. This includes the preliminary investigation, trial proceedings, sentencing, and the execution of judgments. The core principle of oikeudenkäytön is to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially, upholding the rule of law.

The Finnish legal system is based on the principle of legality, meaning that all actions taken by state authorities, including the judiciary, must be in accordance with the law. Oikeudenkäytön is carried out by various courts, from local district courts (käräjäoikeudet) to appellate courts (hovioikeudet) and the Supreme Court (korkein oikeus). Specialized courts also exist for administrative and social security matters.

Key elements of oikeudenkäytön include the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, and the right to legal representation. The process is designed to be transparent, with public hearings generally being the norm. Decisions made by the courts are binding and can be enforced through various legal mechanisms. The ultimate goal of oikeudenkäytön is to maintain social order, protect individual rights, and provide a framework for resolving conflicts peacefully and predictably.