Perustuslaillisuus

Perustuslaillisuus is a Finnish term that translates to "constitutional legality" or "constitutional conformity." It refers to the principle that all laws, decrees, and actions by public authorities must comply with the Constitution of Finland, which is the highest legal authority in the country. This principle ensures the legal foundation of governmental operations and safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens.

In the Finnish legal system, the concept of perustuslaillisuus is primarily enforced through the constitutional review process. The Finnish Supreme Court and the Chancellor of Justice have the authority to oversee and evaluate the conformity of laws and government actions with the Constitution. The Constitutional Law Committee of the Parliament also plays a significant role in constitutional scrutiny.

Perustuslaillisuus serves to protect individual freedoms, guarantee the separation of powers, and maintain the rule of law. When a law or act is found to be unconstitutional, it can be annulled or deemed invalid. This mechanism ensures that legislative and executive actions adhere to constitutional principles.

Historically, the development of perustuslaillisuus in Finland has been shaped by its legal traditions and constitutional reforms, particularly after gaining independence from Russia in 1917. The principle reflects Finland’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, emphasizing the importance of legal certainty, protection of rights, and the accountability of public authorities.

In summary, perustuslaillisuus embodies the core constitutional principle that the actions of the state must be in accordance with the Finnish Constitution, thereby safeguarding the legal and democratic order of the country.