harkinnanvaraisesta

Harkinnanvarainen is Finnish for discretionary or subject to discretion. The adjective describes matters whose outcome is not strictly prescribed by law or regulation, but instead depends on the judgment, interpretation, or evaluation of the competent authority. The form harkinnanvaraisesta is a genitive singular form used in phrases such as harkinnanvaraisesta päätöksestä (from a discretionary decision) or harkinnanvaraisesta tuesta (from discretionary support). The corresponding noun harkinnanvaraisuus refers to the discretionary nature of a decision or practice.

In public administration and law, many decisions are described as harkinnanvaraisia. Authorities may apply statutory criteria while weighing facts, policies, and objectives, leaving room for interpretation and prioritization. The scope of discretion is bounded by law, constitutional principles, and administrative guidelines to ensure fairness, consistency, and proportionality. Harkintavalta—the power to exercise discretion—exists to adapt decisions to individual circumstances while maintaining accountability.

Typical contexts include grant or subsidy decisions, licensing and permits, sanctions, welfare benefits, and other regulatory outcomes where different factors must be balanced. Because discretion can affect individuals and groups differently, decisions taken on a harkinnanvarainen basis are typically required to be reasoned and justifiable, with opportunities for administrative or judicial review if abuse, logical error, or unequal treatment is alleged.

Related terms include harkinta (consideration) and harkinnanvaraisuus (the discretionary nature). Harkinnanvaraisuus is contrasted with pakollinen (mandatory) or valinnainen (optional), clarifying when outcomes depend on discretion versus fixed rules.