Uhkasakko

Uhkasakko is a legal term originating from Finnish law. It refers to a conditional penalty, a sum of money that a person may be ordered to pay if they fail to comply with a specific court order or administrative decision. The primary purpose of a uhkasakko is to incentivize compliance with the law and official rulings. It is not intended as punishment for a past offense but rather as a means to ensure future obedience.

The concept of uhkasakko is utilized in various legal contexts in Finland. It can be imposed by courts or administrative authorities in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings. For example, a court might order a party to produce certain documents by a specific deadline, and impose a uhkasakko if the deadline is missed. Similarly, it can be used to ensure compliance with injunctions, such as those related to child custody or property disputes.

The amount of the uhkasakko is determined by the authority issuing the order and is typically set at a level considered sufficient to motivate compliance. The sum is not paid immediately upon being ordered, but only if the underlying obligation is not fulfilled. If the individual complies with the order within the specified timeframe, the uhkasakko becomes void and no payment is required. The proceeds from a paid uhkasakko generally go to the state. This mechanism is a key tool in Finnish legal practice for enforcing court orders and administrative decisions effectively.