The Supreme Administrative Court is the highest administrative court in Finland and the final instance in administrative judicial matters. The Supreme Administrative Court oversees the application of the law within its own purview and may also deliver opinions and make proposals in matters of legislation.

The basic principles of the legal system are the administration's conformity to the law and everyone’s right to have a decision affecting his or her rights and obligations reviewed by a court. The general right of appeal and guarantees of a fair trial are secured by law.

The Supreme Administrative Court's field of competence is extensive. It hears cases in areas such as land use planning and construction, the environment, taxation, economic activities (such as competition and public procurement), social welfare and health care, intellectual property rights, local government and alien affairs. The number of matters annually received by the Court varies. In the 2000s, the number of received cases has varied between 4,000 and 6,000, and the number of solved cases has been the same on average.

Composition and work

The work of the Supreme Administrative Court is headed by the President. There are approximately 100 permanent staff in all. These can be supplemented by temporary staff. The judges of the Supreme Administrative Court include the President and the Justices. The Court has 22 permanent Justices. The Court office is headed by the Secretary General. The Court has approximately 50 referendaries and 50 other employees.