sisälausekkeet

Sisälauseke is a Finnish term that literally translates to “inner clause” or “embedded clause.” In legal, administrative, and academic contexts it refers to a clause that is incorporated within a larger main clause or sentence, often to provide additional detail or a specific condition. The function of a sisälauseke is similar to that of a parenthetical phrase or a subordinate clause in other languages, but its use is more pronounced in Finnish legal drafting, where precision and clarity are paramount.

In statutes, regulations, and official documents, sisälauseke clauses are typically set off by parentheses, dashes, or brackets to indicate that they belong to the preceding clause yet can be understood separately. For example, a constitutional provision might read, “The victim may seek compensation (provided that the action is filed within two years of the incident) for damages.” Here, the parenthetical statement is a sisälauseke that specifies a time limit without requiring the entire provision to be rewritten.

Although most readers encounter sisälausekkeet indirectly, their proper usage helps prevent ambiguity in legal texts. They also appear in academic writing, especially in fields such as law or public administration, where complex legal concepts are explained in a structured manner. In everyday Finnish, the term is less common; ordinary speakers might simply refer to such embedded information as a side remark or a clarifying detail.

The practice of inserting sisälausekkeet aligns with the broader principle of “detailed yet readable” drafting, ensuring that documents remain accessible to non-experts while maintaining legal rigor.