Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice maintains and develops legal order and legal protection and oversees the structures of democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens. The Ministry is responsible for the drafting of the most important laws, the functioning of the judicial system and the enforcement of sentences. Judicial power is exercised by the independent courts. The Minister of Justice has the political responsibility for the activities on the administrative sector.

As a part of the Government, the Ministry of Justice lays down guidelines for legal policy, develops statute policy and directs its administrative sector.

The aim of the Ministry of Justice is an open, active and safe society where people can be confident that their rights will be respected.

The aim is an open, active and safe society

Finland is a welfare society, which means that each individual has the right to a dignified, full and active life and the possibility to get information of his or her rights and responsibilities. The aim of the Ministry of Justice is to ensure that the people can trust in the realisation of these rights.

The responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice - law drafting, administration of justice, the judicial system, and the enforcement of penalties - are some of the core responsibilities of the State. Finland's EU membership has increased international collaboration in the field of justice and increased the number of international tasks at the Ministry. It is important to ensure a clear and comprehensible legal order as EU legislation and international responsibilities continue to increase.

The aim of the Ministry of Justice - an open, active and safe society - is essential not only for the general welfare but also for the competitiveness of the Finnish society.

Meaningful and challenging work

The work of the Ministry of Justice is relevant, influential and important to society. The possibility to contribute to the development of society and the citizens' everyday lives through our own work is a significant motivational factor for many of us working at the Ministry of Justice.

Changes in the operational environment have brought the Ministry's expert tasks and support functions closer to each other and increased collaboration between the Ministry's departments and separate units. The growing competence requirements have led to a situation where all the Ministry's tasks are performed by professionals with a wide competence.

The Ministry of Justice wants to offer its employees diverse opportunities to develop themselves and their skills in their work. Employees are given a thorough induction into the tasks, independent and responsible jobs and the access to further training. Combining working life and family life is supported e.g. by offering flexible working hours. Also the assignments have become more international.