jõustuda

Jõustuda is Estonian a verb meaning to come into force or to take effect. It refers to the moment when a legal instrument—such as a law, regulation, international treaty, or contract—becomes legally binding and enforceable. The process is commonly described by the noun jõustumine.

The verb is used with a subject that denotes the instrument or agreement. In everyday legal language, you typically find forms like jõustub (it takes effect), jõustus (took effect), or jõustunud (having taken effect). The date or conditions for jõustumine are usually specified in the instrument itself, for example: Seadus jõustub 1. jaanuaril 2024. Leping jõustus tunni aja eest.

Jõustumine differs from kehtivus in emphasis. Kehtima means to be in force or valid, while jõustuma highlights the formal entering into force, often after steps such as signature, ratification, or approval. The noun form jõustumine is used to refer to the event or process of gaining legal effect.

In legal and administrative contexts, jõustuda is a standard term for describing the transition of a norm or agreement from a proposed or approved state to an operative state. It is commonly found in government documents, court rulings, and official announcements.

See also: seadus, määrus, leping, ratifikatsioon, jõustamine.