oikeaikäisyyden

Oikeaikäisyys is a Finnish legal concept referring to the age at which an individual is considered to have reached the age of majority. Upon reaching this age, a person is generally granted full legal capacity, meaning they can enter into contracts, manage their own financial affairs, and are fully responsible for their actions under the law. The age of majority in Finland is 18 years. Before reaching this age, individuals are considered minors and their legal actions are often subject to the consent or supervision of their legal guardians.

The concept of oikeaikäisyys is fundamental to various areas of law, including family law, contract law, and criminal law. It establishes the point at which an individual transitions from a state of legal dependence to one of legal independence and responsibility. This age threshold ensures that individuals are presumed to have the maturity and understanding necessary to make significant life decisions and to participate fully in society as autonomous legal subjects. The age of 18 was established as the age of majority in Finland to align with international standards and to reflect societal expectations regarding adolescent development.