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🇫🇮 Finland · first-instance court

District Courts

Käräjäoikeudet

Reviewed· 2026-08-02Various

The district courts are the general courts of first instance for civil and criminal cases, using lay judges in more serious criminal matters and a simplified process for undisputed debts.

How the court is constituted

Tier
first instance
Court type
General courts of first instance
Jurisdiction
National
Seat
Various
Composition
Professional judges, with lay members in serious criminal cases.
Languages
Finnish, Swedish

Where an appeal goes next

Appeal to a Court of Appeal (hovioikeus).

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