Tsiviilkodeks

The Tsiviilkodeks, or Civil Code, is the fundamental legislative act governing civil law relations in Estonia. It entered into force on July 1, 2002, replacing the previous Civil Code and consolidating various laws into a unified framework. The Tsiviilkodeks provides a comprehensive set of rules for private law, covering a wide range of personal and property matters.

Its primary purpose is to regulate relationships between private individuals and legal entities, establishing their rights and obligations. The code is structured into several books, each dealing with specific areas of civil law. These include general provisions, property law, law of obligations, family law, and inheritance law.

Key principles enshrined in the Tsiviilkodeks include the protection of private property, the freedom of contract, and the principle of good faith. It aims to ensure legal certainty and predictability in private transactions and to provide mechanisms for resolving disputes. The code emphasizes the importance of legal capacity, consent, and contractual freedom, while also setting limits to protect vulnerable parties and the public interest.

The Tsiviilkodeks has been subject to amendments and updates since its adoption to reflect societal changes and evolving legal doctrines. It serves as a cornerstone of the Estonian legal system, underpinning the vast majority of private law interactions within the country. Its provisions are applied by courts and administrative bodies in their decision-making processes concerning civil matters.