uudistuspykälä

Uudistuspykälä is a Finnish legal term that translates roughly to "reform clause" or "amendment clause." It refers to a specific provision within a law or statute that allows for its own amendment or repeal. This means the law itself contains a mechanism for future changes to be made to its text.

The purpose of a uudistuspykälä is to provide a degree of flexibility and adaptability to legislation. Laws are often enacted to address specific societal needs or problems, but these needs can evolve over time. A reform clause acknowledges that the original provisions of the law may become outdated, ineffective, or require modification as circumstances change. By including such a clause, the legislature can make it easier to update the law in the future without having to pass an entirely new and comprehensive piece of legislation.

The specific wording and scope of a uudistuspykälä can vary significantly. Some clauses may be very general, allowing for broad amendments, while others might be more specific, outlining particular areas or conditions under which the law can be reformed. The process for amending a law through its reform clause typically still involves the standard legislative procedures, such as parliamentary debate and voting, but the existence of the clause streamlines the process by indicating the legislature's intent to allow for such modifications. It is a way for laws to remain relevant and effective in a changing society.