oikeusvaltioissa

Oikeusvaltio is a Finnish term that translates to "rule of law state" or "legal state." It describes a fundamental principle of governance where the state's power is limited by and subject to the law. In an oikeusvaltio, all individuals and institutions, including the government itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. This ensures predictability and fairness in society.

Key characteristics of an oikeusvaltio include the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The judiciary must be independent, free from political influence, to ensure impartial application of the law. Furthermore, fundamental rights and freedoms are protected and guaranteed by the constitution and other legal instruments. Citizens have recourse to legal remedies to challenge unlawful actions by the state. The principle also implies that laws are applied prospectively, meaning they do not retroactively criminalize past conduct. The concept of an oikeusvaltio is central to democratic societies, promoting stability, justice, and the protection of individual liberties against arbitrary power.