Rikoslainsäädännön

Rikoslainsäädäntö, often translated as criminal law, refers to the body of law that defines crimes, prescribes punishments, and governs the process of criminal justice. In Finland, the primary source of criminal law is the Criminal Code (Rikoslaki). This legislation outlines prohibited acts and their corresponding penalties, ranging from fines to imprisonment. The purpose of criminal law is to protect society by deterring criminal behavior, punishing offenders, and rehabilitating those who have committed crimes.

The Finnish Criminal Code is divided into different sections, addressing various categories of offenses. These include crimes against the person, such as assault and homicide, crimes against property, like theft and fraud, and offenses against public order, such as public intoxication and vandalism. The code also specifies general principles of criminal liability, including intent (tahallisuus) and negligence (tuottamus), as well as grounds for excluding criminal responsibility, such as self-defense (hätävarjelu) and necessity (pakkotila).

The application of criminal law involves several stages. Initially, an offense is investigated by law enforcement authorities. If sufficient evidence is found, the case may proceed to prosecution by the public prosecutor. The accused then has the right to a trial, where a court of law determines guilt or innocence and, if found guilty, imposes a sentence. The principle of legality (laillisuusperiaate) is fundamental, meaning that no one can be punished for an act that was not defined as a crime by law at the time it was committed, nor can a penalty be imposed that was not prescribed by law. Appeals are possible, allowing for review of court decisions.