Oikeusasteet

Oikeusasteet is Finnish for the levels or tiers of judicial authorities within the country’s court system. The concept refers to the hierarchical structure by which a legal matter may be reviewed and ultimately decided, with separate tracks for general civil and criminal matters and for administrative-law cases. The design aims to ensure consistency of law, allow correction of errors, and provide avenues for further appeal.

In the general court system, the first instance is the käräjäoikeus (district court), where most civil and criminal cases begin. If a party is dissatisfied, the matter can be appealed to the hovioikeus (court of appeal), which reviews the case, typically focusing on the application of law and, in some instances, reassessing facts. The highest level for general matters is korkein oikeus (the Supreme Court), which mainly handles questions of law and can grant leave to appeal on points of legal significance rather than reexamining factual determinations.

In administrative-law matters, the first instance is hallinto-oikeus (administrative court), which hears disputes involving decisions of public authorities and administrative agencies. Decisions can be appealed to korkein hallinto-oikeus (the Supreme Administrative Court), the final appellate level in administrative affairs. Like the Supreme Court for general matters, the Supreme Administrative Court generally operates on questions of law and the significance of the legal issues involved.

Overall, oikeusasteet structure the Finnish judiciary to provide layered review, balance the review of facts and law, and promote uniform interpretation of statutes across both general and administrative areas.