Tunnustusperustelusta

Tunnustusperustelusta is a term used in Finnish criminal procedure that refers to the justification or grounds for a confession being used as part of the court's reasoning. It describes how a confession is evaluated and explained in the legal process, and how the decision to rely on it is justified in the judgment.

In practice, the concept centers on the voluntariness and reliability of a confession. Finnish practice requires that statements by a suspect are made freely and with awareness of rights, ideally with access to legal counsel. If a confession is obtained through coercion, deception, or other improper means, its weight as evidence is diminished or it may be excluded. The court therefore must assess whether the confession is credible and consistent with other evidence before attributing legal significance to it.

The tunnustusperustelu appears in the court’s reasoning, where the judge or judges explain why the confession supports the verdict and how it relates to other elements of the case. This includes considering any inconsistencies, the context in which the confession was made, and any corroborating or contradictory evidence. The purpose is to provide a transparent, legally grounded rationale that satisfies due process requirements and enables effective appellate review.

Impact and limits: while a confession can carry significant evidentiary weight, Finnish practice generally requires that it be corroborated by other facts or evidence, particularly in serious cases. If the justification for relying on a confession is weak, the court may limit its influence or exclude the confession from deciding the outcome.