kohtust
Kohtust is a term that appears in the Estonian legal system, referring to the concept of a court of law. It is the institution responsible for administering justice, resolving disputes, and interpreting and applying laws. Estonian courts operate on a hierarchical system, with different levels of courts handling various types of cases. The primary courts are district courts, which handle a wide range of civil, criminal, and administrative matters at the first instance. Above these are circuit courts, which review decisions made by district courts. The highest court in Estonia is the Supreme Court, which serves as the court of cassation and provides guidance on the uniform application of law. The establishment and functioning of courts in Estonia are governed by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and specific legislation, such as the Courts Act. Judges are independent in their decision-making and are bound only by the law. The principle of public hearings is fundamental, ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings. The ultimate goal of kohtust is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially.