Oikeuskäytäntöissä

Oikeuskäytäntö is a Finnish term that translates to "case law" or "judicial practice" in English. It refers to the body of decisions made by courts in specific legal cases, which serve as precedents or guiding principles for future legal interpretations and rulings. In legal systems that follow common law traditions, case law is a primary source of law, alongside statutes. Finnish law, however, is primarily based on codified statutes, meaning that legislation is the main source of law.

Despite the statutory basis of Finnish law, oikeuskäytäntö plays a significant role in its application and development. Court decisions, particularly those from higher courts like the Supreme Court (Korkein oikeus) and the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus), offer authoritative interpretations of statutory provisions. These interpretations clarify ambiguities, fill gaps in legislation, and adapt legal rules to changing societal circumstances. Lower courts are expected to consider these precedents when making their own decisions, aiming for consistency and predictability in the legal system.

The influence of oikeuskäytäntö is not absolute, as judges are bound by statutes. However, the way courts interpret and apply these statutes in practice shapes the actual functioning of the law. Legal scholars and practitioners analyze case law to understand the nuances of legal rules and to identify emerging trends. Therefore, while Finland is a civil law country, its legal system is also shaped by the cumulative effect of judicial decisions, making oikeuskäytäntö an essential component of understanding Finnish law.