avalikõiguslike

Avalikõiguslike is the Estonian term stemming from avalik õigus, meaning public law. In legal usage, avalikõiguslik describes norms, institutions, and relations that concern the state, government authorities, and the public interest. The form avalikõiguslike is typically encountered as a genitive or adjectival form in phrases such as avalikõiguslike normide or avalikõiguslike isikute.

Scope and branches

Public law covers the organization and functioning of the state and its interaction with individuals and private entities. Core areas include constitutional law (põhiseaduslik õigus), which governs the structure of government and fundamental rights; administrative law (haldusõigus), which regulates public administration and administrative decisions; and procedural aspects that concern how public power is exercised and controlled. Financial and tax matters, budgeting, and public finance also fall within public law, insofar as they regulate state powers and public duties. Criminal law and criminal procedure are often treated as part of public law because they involve enforcement by the state, but they are sometimes discussed separately as caristusõigus and menetlusoigus.

Distinction from private law

Public law contrasts with private law (eraõigus) because it centers on relationships where one party possesses public authority or where the public interest prevails. Private-law relations typically involve private autonomy between individuals or entities, such as contract and property law, with state power not in the foreground.

Institutions and practice

Public-law norms regulate state organs (parliament, government, ministries, local governments) and their powers, as well as remedies and oversight mechanisms. Courts, including administrative courts, interpret and apply avalikõiguslike norms to resolve disputes between citizens and the state or between public authorities.