Oikeushenkilöiksi

Oikeushenkilöiksi is a Finnish legal term that translates to "legal persons" or "juristic persons" in English. It refers to entities that are recognized by law as having rights and obligations separate from the individuals who constitute them. These entities can own property, enter into contracts, sue and be sued, and incur debts, just like natural persons.

In Finnish law, the most common types of oikeushenkilöiksi include companies (osakeyhtiö), associations (yhdistys), foundations (säätiö), and municipalities (kunta). The establishment and operation of these legal persons are governed by specific legislation, which outlines their formation, governance, and dissolution. The fundamental principle is that an oikeushenkilö is a distinct legal entity, meaning its assets and liabilities are separate from those of its members or founders. This separation is crucial for limiting liability, particularly in the context of business operations, where it protects the personal assets of shareholders or members from business debts. The concept of an oikeushenkilö is central to modern commercial and organizational law, providing a framework for collective action and economic activity.