RIKOS

Rikos is the Finnish noun meaning crime or offense, referring to an act that violates criminal law and is eligible for punishment. The term is used in everyday language and in legal contexts to describe acts that are prohibited by law, from theft to assault to murder.

Legal framework: In Finland, crimes are defined in the Criminal Code (rikoslaki). The police and prosecutors enforce the code; offences are prosecuted by the state in court. Penalties for crimes range from fines to long-term imprisonment; some offenses carry additional sanctions such as community service. The law also distinguishes between different levels of seriousness; törkeä rikos is commonly translated as aggravated or serious crime, and there are other categories like petty offenses and minor breaches in the broader criminal-law system.

Classification: Generally, rikos covers acts punishable as crimes. Minor violations may be termed rikkomus or rikesakko for fines. The distinction between rikos and rikkomus helps determine procedural rules and sentencing.

Usage: The word appears in media, police reports, and court documents. In everyday language, people may refer to rikos when discussing crime rates, safety, and law enforcement.