Oikeuselimien

Oikeuselimien is a Finnish term that translates to "judicial organs" or "courts" in English. It refers to the institutions responsible for administering justice within the Finnish legal system. These bodies are established by law and operate independently of the legislative and executive branches of government.

The primary function of oikeuselimien is to interpret and apply the law in resolving disputes, both civil and criminal. They ensure that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially, guaranteeing the rights of all parties involved. The Finnish judicial system is hierarchical, with different levels of courts handling cases based on their complexity and significance.

At the lowest level are the district courts (käräjäoikeudet), which handle most first-instance cases. Above them are the appellate courts (hovioikeudet), which review decisions made by district courts. The highest court in Finland is the Supreme Court (korkein oikeus) for civil and criminal matters, and the Supreme Administrative Court (korkein hallinto-oikeus) for administrative cases. In addition to these, there are specialized courts such as the Market Court (markkinaoikeus) and the Labour Court (työtuomioistuin).

The judges who preside over these oikeuselimien are appointed through a rigorous process, emphasizing their legal expertise and impartiality. The principle of judicial independence is a cornerstone of the Finnish legal system, ensuring that judges can make decisions free from undue influence.