Päämääräsääntöjä

Päämääräsääntöjä, often translated as "rule of purpose" or "teleological rule," is a legal principle that emphasizes interpreting laws and legal provisions in a way that best serves their intended purpose or goal. This approach contrasts with more literal or textual interpretations, which focus solely on the exact wording of a statute. The underlying idea is that laws are created to achieve specific societal objectives, and therefore, their application should be guided by these objectives to ensure justice and effectiveness.

When applying the päämääräsääntöjä, courts and legal scholars consider the legislative intent behind a law. This involves examining the history of the legislation, parliamentary debates, and the broader social context in which it was enacted. The aim is to understand what problem the law was meant to solve or what outcome it was designed to promote. By understanding this purpose, it becomes possible to interpret ambiguous or even seemingly conflicting clauses in a manner that aligns with the law's overarching objective.

The use of päämääräsääntöjä can lead to outcomes that might not be immediately apparent from a strict reading of the text. It allows for flexibility and adaptation of the law to new circumstances or unforeseen situations, as long as the interpretation remains consistent with the fundamental purpose of the legislation. However, this principle must be balanced with legal certainty and the rule of law, ensuring that interpretations do not become arbitrary or undermine the predictability of legal outcomes. It is a tool for achieving substantive justice rather than merely formal compliance.