Constitution of Finland

The Constitution of Finland defines the government and its shape, the relationship between the different topmost branches of the commonwealth and the rights of the individual. The original constitution took force in 1919, soon after Finland declared independence in 1917, but the version of the constitution currently in use took force on 1 March 2000.

Related Topics:
Government - 1919 - Independence - 1917 - 1 March - 2000

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The judicial and constitutional system in Finland has been criticized for failing to separate powers. Laws cannot be ruled unconstitutional in the supreme courts of the judicial branch, but are previewed by the legislative branch and voted on irrespective of their constitutionality.

Related Topics:
Separate powers - Supreme court - Judicial branch

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This seems to be unique, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Sweden are the only other countries which lack a constitutional court - the UK's constitution is uncodified, and the Netherlands has in, the view of many, separated powers.

Related Topics:
Netherlands - United Kingdom - Sweden

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However, the new constitution has given some power to supreme courts to dismiss a case if they find it unconstitutional, even though this power explicitly prohibits the supreme courts from interpreting rights on constitutional issues.

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