syytekirjelmä

Syytekirjelmä is a formal indictment used in Finland's criminal procedure. It is a document prepared by the prosecutor and filed with the district court to initiate criminal proceedings against one or more defendants. The purpose is to set out the charges, describe the alleged facts, and specify the legal basis for the accusations, including references to the relevant provisions of the criminal code (rikoslaki) and other applicable statutes. It also outlines the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on and the penalties sought.

A typical syytekirjelmä contains: identifying information about the case and court, the names of the defendant or defendants, a clear description of each charged offense including when and where it is alleged to have occurred, the legal grounds for each charge, and the specific provisions of law that are invoked. It lists the evidence the prosecutor intends to rely on, such as witness statements, documents, and other material. It may also specify the desired sentence or range of penalties for each charge and attach relevant documents and evidence.

Process and effect: After the preliminary investigation (esitutkinta) is completed and the prosecutor determines that charges should be brought, the syytekirjelmä is filed with the district court. The court then serves the indictment on the defendant, who is given an opportunity to respond and prepare a defence. The trial proceeds according to the information and charges contained in the indictment, though adjustments can be made under certain legal conditions.

Significance: The syytekirjelmä is the central instrument that defines the scope of the case before the court, guiding the evidentiary and legal arguments and ultimately influencing the court’s determination of guilt and sentencing.