õiguspõhjus

õiguspõhjus refers to the legal basis or justification for an action or legal consequence within Estonian law. It establishes the fundamental reason why a particular legal rule applies or why a certain legal outcome is permissible or required. In essence, it answers the question of "why is this legally sound?" This concept is crucial for understanding the legitimacy of any legal act or decision.

For instance, a contract's õiguspõhjus lies in the agreement between parties, supported by their mutual consent and intention to create legal obligations. A criminal conviction's õiguspõhjus is typically found in the violation of a specific criminal statute, proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Similarly, the õiguspõhjus for administrative decisions, such as issuing a permit, stems from relevant legislation that grants the administrative body the authority to act and outlines the conditions for such action.

The absence of a valid õiguspõhjus can render an action unlawful or a legal decision invalid. It is the bedrock upon which legal systems are built, ensuring that actions are not arbitrary but are grounded in established legal principles and rules. Understanding the specific õiguspõhjus for any given legal situation is therefore fundamental for navigating and applying the law correctly.