oikeudenhallintakeinot

Oikeudenhallintakeinot refer to procedural tools available within the Finnish administrative justice system that allow individuals, companies, and other parties to challenge decisions made by public authorities. The concept is rooted in the principle that state power must be exercised with legal oversight and in accordance with the rule of law.

The main types of oikeudenhallintakeinot include objection (kelpaisi-lupaus), appeal (kelpaisuusselvitys), and review (hoitava hakemus). An objection is generally filed directly to the authority that issued the contested decision. If the objection is rejected or not answered, the party may proceed to an appeal, which is reviewed at a higher administrative office or court. Review, a more comprehensive reassessment, is usually considered only when substantial new evidence emerges or if procedural errors occurred.

Procedures differ slightly depending on the specific sector—tax, immigration, social assistance, property rights, etc.—but they share common requirements: timely submission, written formalities, and a requirement that the decision-maker is unbiased. In many cases, administrative remedies are compulsory before a civil lawsuit can be brought to a court, ensuring that disputes are first attempted to be resolved within the administrative framework. The system aims to provide a balance between efficient public administration and rights protection for affected parties.