Valitukseen

Valitukseen is a Finnish term derived from the word valitus, which means complaint or grievance. The word is used primarily in legal, administrative and organizational contexts to refer to the process of filing a claim or request for reconsideration of a decision. In the Finnish legal system, a valitus is an instrument to challenge arbitral, administrative or judicial decisions within prescribed time limits and procedural requirements. The term is closely associated with the concept of hakemus, which denotes a formal application.

In practice, valitukseen usually refers to the act of submitting a valitus to the relevant authority. For example, a citizen can file a valitus to a regional administrative court (korkeakunta) if a lower decision – such as a tax assessment or a municipal permit – is considered unlawful or incorrect. The valitustapa (appeal case) must include reasons, evidence, and a statement on why the decision should be reversed or modified. Courts then review the valitus de novo, allowing the applicant to present additional arguments that were not considered in the original case.

The concept of valitukseen is integral to the Finnish rule of law, ensuring that decision-makers are held accountable and that citizens have access to judicial review. It is regulated by statutes such as the Administrative Procedure Act (hallintolaki) and the Criminal Procedure Act (rikoslaki). Proper understanding of valitukseen is essential for legal professionals, public administrators and citizens alike, because it safeguards legal certainty and equity in the administrative process.