Rakendussäte

Rakendussäte is an Estonian term that translates to "application ordinance" or "implementing regulation." It refers to a legal act that is issued by a government body, typically a ministry or a specific agency, to provide detailed rules and procedures for the implementation of a higher-level law or statute. In essence, a rakendussäte elaborates on the general provisions found in a law, making it practical and actionable.

These ordinances are subordinate to laws passed by the Riigikogu (the Estonian Parliament). Their purpose is to clarify ambiguities, specify technical requirements, set out administrative processes, and define the exact methods by which the principles laid down in the primary legislation are to be applied in practice. For example, a law might state that certain permits are required for a particular activity, while the accompanying rakendussäte would detail the application process, the documents needed, the fees involved, and the criteria for granting or refusing the permit.

Rakendussätted are crucial for the functioning of the legal system as they ensure consistency and predictability in the application of laws. They are often subject to public consultation and must align with the overarching legal framework of Estonia and the European Union. The validity of a rakendussäte is dependent on the continued validity of the law it implements.