arvostelutuomaris

Arvostelutuomaris refers to a specific legal concept within the Finnish judicial system, translating roughly to "appellate judge" or "judge in the appellate court." This role is distinct from a trial court judge and pertains to the review of cases that have already been decided by a lower court. An arvostelutuomaris presides over proceedings in an appellate court, such as a Court of Appeal (hovi-oikeus) or the Supreme Court (korkein oikeus).

The primary function of an arvostelutuomaris is to examine whether the lower court applied the law correctly and whether the factual findings were adequately supported by evidence. Unlike a trial judge who hears evidence and witnesses directly, an appellate judge typically reviews written submissions, the original court record, and legal arguments presented by the parties. The scope of review in an appellate court is generally limited to questions of law and procedure, rather than re-evaluating the facts from scratch, although there can be exceptions.

These judges are appointed officials and are expected to possess extensive legal knowledge and experience. Their decisions can affirm, reverse, or modify the judgment of the lower court. The process is crucial for ensuring legal consistency, correcting errors, and developing legal precedent within the Finnish legal framework. The role emphasizes careful legal analysis and the impartial application of justice based on the existing legal framework.