Finland · Overview
The legal system of Finland
A Nordic civil-law system with strong administrative-law traditions and a distinctive ex ante model of constitutional review performed by a parliamentary committee rather than a court. An EU member and eurozone state.
Legal tradition
Finland belongs to the civil law (nordic) tradition. A Nordic civil-law system with strong administrative-law traditions and a distinctive ex ante model of constitutional review performed by a parliamentary committee rather than a court. An EU member and eurozone state.
How power is divided
Parliamentary government with a directly elected President holding a reduced role focused on foreign policy, and independent general and administrative court branches.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- The Perustuslaki of 2000.
- EU law
- Directly applicable and, in its field, paramount.
- Acts of Parliament
- Enacted by the Eduskunta.
- Decrees
- Issued by the government and ministries under statute.
The legal profession
A law degree leads to varied paths; the title asianajaja (advocate) is protected and requires bar membership, though court representation is broadly open.
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