otsustuskoht

Otsustuskoht is a Finnish noun meaning a decision point or the place where a decision is made or stated. It is used primarily to refer to the operative portion of a decision document, especially in legal and administrative contexts, where the outcome of a case or proceeding is declared.

Etymology and scope: The word combines otsus (decision) with kohta (place, point). In practice, otsustuskoht designates the section of a ruling that contains the binding conclusion or order issued by a court, tribunal, or another decision-making body. It is distinct from the grounds or reasoning that lead to the decision.

Usage in law and administration: In Finnish jurisprudence, decisions are typically structured with factual background, reasoning (perustelu), and the otsustuskoht, which states the ruling and any directions, remedies, or sanctions. The exact formulation can vary by jurisdiction and document type, but the otsustuskoht is intended to be the legally operative part of the decision.

Broader use: Outside formal judgments, the term can describe a key stage in any procedure where a binding decision is required, such as licensing, regulatory approvals, or project authorizations. In these contexts, the otsustuskoht marks when the decision becomes effective and enforceable.

Translation notes: In English-language summaries, otsustuskoht is often rendered as the dispositive or operative part of a decision, or more simply as “the ruling,” depending on context. It is a term mostly encountered in Finnish-language legal and administrative texts, with the closest equivalents used in English translations.

See also: Finnish legal terminology; court judgments; administrative acts; decision document structure.