Rikosoikeus

Rikosoikeus is the Finnish term for criminal law. It encompasses the body of law that defines criminal offenses, specifies the penalties for those offenses, and establishes the procedures for the prosecution and punishment of offenders. The primary purpose of rikosoikeus is to maintain public order, protect individuals and property, and deter criminal behavior.

In Finland, criminal law is based on the principle of legality, meaning that no one can be punished for an act that was not defined as a criminal offense by law at the time it was committed. The Finnish Penal Code (Rikoslaki) is the main source of criminal law. It categorizes offenses into different types, such as crimes against life, property offenses, and public order offenses.

The prosecution of criminal offenses in Finland is typically carried out by public prosecutors (syyttäjä). The process involves investigation, indictment, and trial in criminal courts. Criminal courts in Finland are structured in a hierarchical system, with the Supreme Court (Korkein oikeus) as the highest appellate court.

Penalties for criminal offenses can include fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. The severity of the penalty depends on factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the offender's intent, and any prior criminal record. Rikosoikeus also includes provisions for the rehabilitation of offenders and the compensation of victims. The legal system aims to balance the need for punishment with the goals of crime prevention and social reintegration.