poikkeamispäätökset

Poikkeamispäätökset, meaning "exception decisions" in English, are a legal concept within Finnish administrative law. They refer to decisions made by a public authority that deviate from the general rules or regulations. These decisions are typically granted on a case-by-case basis when specific circumstances warrant an exception to the standard application of the law. The authority granting a poikkeamispäätös must have the legal discretion to do so, and the decision is usually based on considerations of reasonableness, fairness, or public interest.

The purpose of poikkeamispäätökset is to allow for flexibility in the legal system and to address situations where a rigid application of the law would lead to an unfair or impractical outcome. These decisions are not arbitrary; they must be justified and documented, often requiring a thorough assessment of the individual case and its potential impact. There are often specific grounds or criteria that must be met for an exception decision to be granted, and these are usually outlined in the relevant legislation.

Examples of areas where poikkeamispäätökset might be encountered include zoning and land use planning, where an authority might grant an exception to building regulations for a specific development. They can also arise in social welfare cases, where an individual might receive an exception to certain eligibility rules due to extenuating circumstances. The process for seeking and obtaining a poikkeamispäätös typically involves submitting an application to the relevant authority, which then reviews the case based on established legal principles and discretionary powers. Appeals against poikkeamispäätökset are possible through the administrative court system.