Valtakunnanoikeus

Valtakunnanoikeus, often translated as the Supreme Court of Impeachment or Court of Impeachment, is a special court in Finland responsible for trying high-ranking officials for criminal offenses committed in their official capacity. This court is not a permanent institution but is convened only when specific circumstances arise. Its primary function is to provide a mechanism for holding the President of Finland, Members of the Parliament (Eduskunta), the Prime Minister, and other members of the Government accountable for serious breaches of their duties.

The composition of the Valtakunnanoikeus changes depending on the case. It consists of the President of the Supreme Court as its chairman, along with four other Supreme Court justices. Additionally, seven members are elected from the members of the Parliament for a term of four years. These parliamentary members are chosen in a way that reflects the political composition of the Eduskunta. The court's jurisdiction is limited to specific offenses, such as abuse of power or dereliction of duty.

If the Valtakunnanoikeus finds a defendant guilty, the penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. The court's decisions are final and cannot be appealed. The establishment of the Valtakunnanoikeus is a constitutional safeguard designed to ensure the integrity and accountability of Finland's highest public officials. Its existence underlines the principle that no one is above the law, even those in positions of significant power and responsibility. The court's unique nature and limited scope of cases make it a distinctive feature of the Finnish legal and political system.