Estonian Court System: Structure and Functioning

The Estonian court system is three-tiered, ensuring the quality of justice and the possibility of appealing decisions. The basis of the system is the law, which determines the jurisdiction of the courts, the procedure, and the role of judges.

Levels of the Court System

The Estonian court system consists of three levels:

1. Courts of First Instance: These are county courts and administrative courts. County courts hear most civil and criminal cases. Administrative courts resolve public law disputes between the state and individuals.
2. Courts of Second Instance: These are circuit courts. Circuit courts review decisions of the courts of first instance on appeal.
3. Court of Third Instance: This is the Supreme Court (Riigikohus). The Supreme Court is the highest court in Estonia and a court of cassation, which reviews the decisions of circuit courts regarding the application and interpretation of legal norms. The Supreme Court also performs the function of constitutional review.

Functioning of the Courts

The judicial process in Estonia is regulated by law. Important principles include publicity, equality of the parties, and the independence of the court. Judges must be impartial and make decisions based on the law.

Important Details

In the Estonian court system, the prosecution, which represents the state prosecution in criminal cases, and the bar association, which provides legal aid, also play an important role. Legal proceedings can be complex, so it is often necessary to seek professional legal assistance.

In addition to general courts, there are also specialized courts in Estonia, such as military courts in special situations, but these are rare.