lakiasetuksen

Lakiasetuksen is a Finnish term that translates to "statutory regulation" or "decree" in English. It refers to a specific type of legal norm enacted by the Finnish government or a relevant ministry, rather than by the parliament itself. While laws (lait) are passed by the Eduskunta (Finnish Parliament), lakiasetukset are typically issued to provide more detailed instructions on how a particular law should be implemented and enforced. They are subordinate to laws and must not contradict them.

The purpose of lakiasetukset is to offer flexibility and expertise in refining the practical application of legislation without requiring a full parliamentary process for every detail. This allows for quicker adjustments to changing circumstances or specific sectoral needs. For example, a law concerning environmental protection might be enacted by parliament, and then the Ministry of the Environment could issue a lakiasetus to specify the exact procedures for waste management or emission monitoring.

These regulations are publicly accessible and are part of the official compilation of Finnish statutes, ensuring transparency in their creation and content. They are legally binding and are enforced in the same manner as laws. The framework for issuing lakiasetukset is established by the Constitution of Finland and other relevant legislation governing administrative law.