NCJ Number
214211
Date Published
2005
Length
125 pages
Annotation
Based on Finnish statistical information and court reforms, this study examined procedures within district court civil cases and developmental trends pertaining to civil cases.
Abstract
A significant number of civil actions or disputes taken in Finland by private persons seem to focus on housing and employment issues. Typically these cases bring forth significant evidence, thereby raising the legal costs. The risk of high legal costs facing individuals raises the question as to how best to handle issues related to housing and working relationships in order to avoid extensive disputes. Large-scale disputes need to be avoided if at all possible, especially where the legal costs exceed the value of the interest involved. Drawn-out proceedings and high legal costs are seen as chronic problems in all western countries. High legal costs are a problem mostly for people involved in a trial in an individual capacity. However, in 2006, a new system for court mediation was introduced to aid in solving conflicts already at an early state and in a flexible and speedy manner. The parties involved can request that the civil proceedings be discontinued at the preparatory stage and the matter brought to mediation. Utilizing Finnish statistical information and records of civil cases (N=332) that had reached the main hearing in district courts in 2004, this study examined the basic knowledge in the procedures in civil cases, as well as trends in these cases. It explored the form these procedures had taken resulting from many new reforms.