Õigusharus

Õigusharus is a sociological concept used in Estonian discourse to describe a social-psychological state in which people's behavior is shaped by their perceptions of the law, its legitimacy, and the likelihood of enforcement. The term covers both fear of sanctions and respect for legal order, and it can influence decisions to comply with rules even in the absence of direct enforcement. The word is formed from õigus, meaning law or rights, together with a suffix used in social science to denote an attitude or state; it is chiefly used in academic and policy discussions rather than in formal legal texts.

In theoretical terms, õigusharus relates to deterrence theory and procedural justice; it reflects how perceived fairness and legitimacy of authorities affect compliance and cooperation with law enforcement, taxation, and public governance. It captures how people weigh potential penalties against perceived chances of being caught, and how fair treatment by authorities can reinforce legitimate obedience to laws.

Usage in Estonia often appears in debates about governance quality, anti-corruption measures, and public trust. The concept helps explain regional or demographic variations in compliance and civic participation, and it is used as an analytical lens rather than a formally defined legal standard. It is considered a descriptive tool for understanding behavior within legal and political contexts.

Related concepts include deterrence theory, procedural justice, and institutional trust.