NCJ Number
187539
Editor(s)
Marjukka Litmala
Date Published
2001
Length
409 pages
Annotation
This overview of the Finnish legal system and how it is responding to citizens' concerns addresses legal problems encountered by citizens as well as their confidence in the courts, the functioning of primary legal institutions, the operation of the legal system in some areas central to citizens' lives, and current trends in law drafting and legislative activity.
Abstract
A survey conducted in the spring of 1999 obtained citizens' views of their legal problems and their confidence in the courts. Citizens were asked about their experiences in realizing basic legal rights in general as well as particular rights, such as freedom of speech, right to basic income and care, and the right to sufficient social and health services. They were also asked about legislation, the abuse of rights mandated in legislation, access to legal assistance, and the degree of legal security in Finland. Further, the book describes the various Finnish bodies that deal with citizens' legal problems, including the activities of general and administrative courts, legislative reforms during the 1990's, court functioning, alternative conflict resolution, legal assistance, and the functioning of the Chancellor of Justice of the Council of State and the Parliamentary Ombudsman. Legal problems encountered by citizens in various spheres of their lives are discussed, namely, housing, indebtedness, family functioning, and consumer protection. The book concludes with an assessment of current trends in legislative activities. Observations are offered about the quality of legal regulation and its specific characteristics, and attention is given to measures intended to improve the quality of legislation and the drafting of laws. 173 references, 46 tables, and 77 figures