lakisäätelijä

A lakisäätelijä is a Finnish term that translates to "statutory regulator" or "regulatory authority established by law." It refers to a public body or institution that has been specifically created and empowered by legislation to oversee and enforce regulations within a particular sector or area of activity. The scope of a lakisäätelijä can vary greatly, ranging from national agencies responsible for broad economic policy to more specialized bodies focusing on environmental protection, financial markets, or public health.

The authority of a lakisäätelijä is derived directly from the laws passed by the legislature. This legal foundation grants them the power to set standards, issue permits, conduct inspections, investigate violations, and impose penalties. Their primary function is to ensure that industries, businesses, and individuals comply with the relevant laws and regulations, thereby protecting public interests, promoting fair competition, or maintaining safety and order.

Examples of lakisäätelijä in Finland could include entities like the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) for food safety, the Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanssivalvonta) for financial markets, or the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) in certain regulatory capacities. The specific mandate and powers of each lakisäätelijä are detailed in the legislation that establishes it. Their existence is crucial for the effective implementation and enforcement of public policy and for ensuring the smooth functioning of various societal sectors.