The legal chancellor is appointed by the Riigikogu on the proposal of the president for a seven-year term, and is responsible to the Riigikogu . The legal chancellor can participate, with the right to speak, in the sessions of the Riigikogu and in the meetings of the government. There are currently about 25 staff members in the office of the legal chancellor. If this is not done, the legal chancellor proposes to the Supreme Court the repeal of the legislation. In addition to the review of legislation, the legal chancellor also controls the activities of state agencies, mainly upon complaints from the public concerning infringement of basic rights and liberties.
Administrative courts are the only specialised courts in Estonia.
Every person whose rights and freedoms are violated has the right of recourse to the courts. In all other regions, administrative matters are dealt with by special administrative judges of county and city courts. Under the new Administrative Court Procedures Act of 1999, a reform of the administrative court system is foreseen. According to this law, by 2001 administrative courts will be created in all regions. In 1998, the courts of first instance received 1549 administrative cases for examination.