The right to fair public trial is guaranteed by law and respected in practice. Finnish citizens and aliens legally residing in Finland have the right to effective counsel. The law provides that charges must be clearly stated and that civilians may not be tried by military courts except in time of war. The general court system includes municipal courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. The President appoints Supreme Court justices, who in turn appoint the lower court judges.
Judges receive permanent appointments, but are subject to mandatory retirement.
They may choose optional retirement at age 63 but must retire at age 70. The judiciary is not subject to political interference. In addition to the general courts, a presidentially appointed Supreme Administrative Court adjudicates appeals from government decisions on administrative and tax matters. The Court of Impeachment is convened to handle cases of malfeasance by cabinet ministers or the Chancellor of Justice. Other special courts handle labor matters, water rights, and prisoners' rights.