oikeushenkilöstä

Oikeushenkilö is a Finnish legal term that translates to "legal person" or "juridical person" in English. It refers to an entity that has legal rights and obligations, similar to a natural person. This means a legal person can enter into contracts, own property, sue and be sued, and be held responsible for its actions.

The primary distinction is between natural persons, which are individual human beings, and legal persons, which are artificial entities created by law. Common examples of legal persons include companies, associations, foundations, and public bodies such as municipalities and government agencies.

The establishment of a legal person typically requires formal registration, often with a specific governmental authority like the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. This registration grants the entity its legal personality and allows it to operate independently of its members or owners. The liability of a legal person's members or owners is usually limited, meaning their personal assets are protected from the entity's debts and obligations.

Legal persons are crucial for modern commerce and societal organization, enabling collective action and the accumulation of capital while providing a framework for accountability. The concept of legal personhood allows for complex economic and social activities to be conducted in an organized and legally recognized manner.