Valittavuus

Valittavuus, literally appealability, is a legal concept describing whether a decision or administrative act can be challenged by an appealed to a higher authority or court. The term is used mainly in Finnish administrative and constitutional law and concerns both the existence of an appeal avenue and the rules governing it.

Scope and meaning: Valittavuus concerns if a decision is subject to appeal, to which body the appeal goes, what grounds are permitted, and what procedural steps apply. Some decisions are explicitly non-appealable, while others are appealable to specific authorities such as an administrative court (hallinto-oikeus) or, in certain cases, to the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus) with permission to appeal (valituslupa). The grounds for appeal may address points of law, and in some instances also factual aspects, depending on the applicable statute and the nature of the decision.

Process and limits: Decisions typically include a valitusosoitus, a notice of appeal and deadline. The appeal must usually be filed within a statutory period, and success depends on meeting the jurisdictional and substantive requirements. While many administrative decisions can be appealed as of right, some require permission for further review at higher courts.

Context and related concepts: Valittavuus interacts with other recourses such as oikaisuvaatimus (a correction request within the issuing authority) and with broader administrative procedure rules. Understanding valittavuus helps clarify the available remedies against public decisions and the procedural path for contesting them in Finland.