Administrative courts

The administrative courts are independent and impartial courts functioning in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Justice.  The administrative courts hear cases concerning several different sectors, such as taxation, land use, building, environmental protection, traffic connections, income support, social and health care, child welfare and immigration. An appeal may be lodged by any party concerned. The administrative courts also hear cases concerning administrative disputes and certain other matters that fall within their jurisdiction under the law. The purpose of the administrative courts is to provide legal protection and to promote justice, safety, order, welfare, economy and functionality of the administration in society. 

There are six regional administrative courts in Finland. In addition, Åland has its own administrative court. The administrative courts have a total of approximately 430 employees.

An administrative court is led by a Chief Judge. The other members of the court are Judges of the Administrative Court, and Assistant Judges and Notaries work as referendaries. Office personnel take care of the administrative and office tasks. Moreover, there are part-time expert members working at the administrative courts.
 
The Chief Judge of the Administrative Court and a Judge of the Administrative Court must have a higher academic degree in law and fulfil the other qualification requirements set out for judges in the law.  The qualification requirement for an Assistant Judge of the Administrative Court is a Master of Laws degree and for a Notary a relevant academic degree.  The office personnel usually have upper secondary or lower third level education. The expert members are required to have, in addition to a higher academic degree, expertise in the case category that they deal with at the court.