oikeuslähdettä

Oikeuslähde is a Finnish legal term that translates to "source of law" in English. It refers to the origins and authorities from which legal rules and principles are derived. Understanding oikeuslähteet is fundamental to comprehending and applying Finnish law.

The primary sources of law in Finland are codified statutes, also known as lait. These are enacted by the Parliament (Eduskunta) and form the bedrock of the legal system. In addition to statutes, the Finnish legal system recognizes international treaties ratified by Finland as sources of law. These treaties, once incorporated into domestic law, have the force of domestic legislation.

Another significant source of law is the case law of the higher courts, particularly the Supreme Court (Korkein oikeus) and the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus). While Finland does not have a strict doctrine of precedent as found in common law systems, the decisions of these courts hold considerable persuasive authority and guide lower courts in their interpretations of the law.

Legal scholarship, often referred to as oikeuskirjallisuus, also plays a role as an indirect source of law. The writings and analyses of legal scholars can influence the development of law and assist courts and legislators in their understanding and formulation of legal principles. Furthermore, custom, though less prominent in modern Finnish law, can still be recognized as an oikeuslähde in certain specific contexts where established practice has legal significance.