Chancellor of Justice (Finland)
The Chancellor of Justice (Finnish: oikeuskansleri; Swedish: justitiekansler) is a high-ranking official in the Government of Finland. The office is one of the oldest in the Finnish government, dating back to the Swedish era. The Chancellor of Justice oversees the legality of the actions of the Government and public officials.
Role and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the Chancellor of Justice involve:
- Supervising Legality: Ensuring that the Government, its ministries, and other public authorities act in accordance with the law. This includes scrutinizing decisions, regulations, and procedures.
- Monitoring Fundamental Rights: Overseeing the protection of fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed by the Finnish Constitution and international human rights treaties.
- Investigating Complaints: Investigating complaints concerning the actions of public officials and authorities.
- Bringing Charges: Having the power to bring charges against public officials, including ministers, for malfeasance in office.
- Legal Opinions: Providing legal opinions to the Government and other authorities on complex legal matters.
- Attending Cabinet Meetings: Has the right to attend and speak at cabinet meetings, although they do not have a vote.
- Overseeing Courts: Supervising, together with the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the functioning of the courts.
Appointment and Independence:
The Chancellor of Justice is appointed by the President of Finland. The office is designed to be independent, ensuring that the Chancellor can impartially assess the legality of government actions. Their independence is safeguarded by a fixed term of office and protection from arbitrary dismissal.
Relationship with the Parliamentary Ombudsman:
The Chancellor of Justice shares oversight responsibilities with the Parliamentary Ombudsman. While both oversee the legality of government actions and the protection of fundamental rights, their roles differ slightly. The Chancellor of Justice primarily focuses on the actions of the Government and higher-level administration, while the Parliamentary Ombudsman is more accessible to individual citizens with complaints against public authorities. There is cooperation between the two offices.