õigusemõistmist

Õigusemõistmine denotes the administration of justice—the process by which laws are interpreted, applied and disputes resolved by courts and other state authorities. It encompasses civil, criminal and administrative proceedings, as well as the enforcement of judgments and the handling of various legal remedies. The term covers both substantive legal rules and the procedural mechanisms that ensure fair outcomes in legal disputes.

The administration of justice is carried out by the judiciary and related institutions, including courts (such as district and circuit courts and the Supreme Court), public prosecutors, and administrative authorities empowered to apply legal norms. Its aim is to protect rights, resolve conflicts, safeguard public order, and uphold the rule of law. Effective justice administration requires clear procedures, timely decision-making, and the availability of remedies for those whose rights are affected.

Key principles include independence and impartiality of the judiciary, legality and the rule of law, due process and fair trials, equality before the law, transparency, accessibility to legal remedies, and proportionality in governmental action. These principles help ensure that decisions are reasoned, non-discriminatory, and publicly accountable.

In Estonia, the concept has developed through independence in 1918 and the post-1991 reestablishment of statehood, accompanied by reforms aimed at aligning with European standards and Nordic legal traditions. Modern reforms emphasize judicial independence, efficiency, and digitalization of the justice system, including e-services and online case management, to improve access to justice for citizens.

See also: justice, rule of law.