Oikeusministeriön

The Ministry of Justice (Oikeusministeriö) is a cabinet-level ministry in the Government of Finland. It plays a central role in shaping and implementing justice policy, legal reform, and the administration of the Finnish legal system. The ministry works to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and ensure efficient and accessible judicial processes.

Responsibilities of the ministry include drafting legislation related to criminal, civil, procedural, and constitutional law; coordinating international legal cooperation and harmonization with European and global standards; and guiding policy areas such as data protection, legal aid, and access to justice. It also engages in electoral policy and matters affecting the functioning of the judiciary at the policy level. While the ministry provides policy direction and oversight, the actual operation of courts, the prosecution service, and the prison system involves independent authorities and professional bodies within the justice sector.

Organization and leadership: The ministry is headed by the Minister of Justice, with a state secretary and civil servants supporting policy development and administration. It is organized into departments or sectors that handle legislative drafting, justice policy, international cooperation, and related governance tasks. The ministry collaborates with other government ministries and with independent judicial and law enforcement institutions to implement reforms and ensure consistency across the justice system.

History and role: Since its establishment, the Ministry of Justice has been a key instrument for reforming and administering Finland’s justice policies. It remains focused on promoting the rule of law, human rights, and reliable legal processes within a modern, European-influenced legal framework.