Finnish Legislation · Legal Reference

The Criminal Procedure Act (689/1997): Charges, Trial and Judicial Decisions

A guide to selected provisions on framing charges, trial preparation and judicial decisions.

At a glance

This page summarises selected provisions for legal-information and procedural-review purposes. It is not a substitute for the full statute or legal advice.

Chapter 5 — Application for a summons

The application for a summons sets out the charge and the facts on which it is based, together with the evidence and other information required by law. Its factual content helps identify the case the defendant must answer.

Amendment of the charge

Chapter 5 regulates when and how a prosecutor may amend a charge during proceedings. A procedural power to amend does not remove the need to preserve the defendant’s practical opportunity to understand and answer the accusation.

Judgment and reasons

The court’s judgment must address the matters required by the Act and give reasons. Those reasons are important for understanding how disputed facts and evidence were evaluated and for meaningful appellate review.

Question for procedural review

Did the accusation as presented and determined at trial remain sufficiently clear and stable to allow the defence to prepare and respond effectively?

Primary Source

Read the statute on Finlex

English translations may be unofficial or may reflect amendments only up to the date stated on Finlex. The authoritative Finnish or Swedish text and applicable version prevail.