The Chancellor of Justice, along with the Parliamentary Ombudsman, is the supreme guardian of the law in Finland. The Chancellor of Justice supervises authorities’ compliance with the law. He also pays particular attention to the observance of basic right and liberties and human rights.

The President of the Republic appoints the Chancellor of Justice and the Deputy Chancellor of Justice and selects a substitute for the latter.

The basic provisions concerning the status and duties of the Chancellor of Justice are set forth in the Constitution of Finland. More detailed provisions are included in the Act on the Chancellor of Justice.

The Chancellor of Justice provides the President of the Republic and the Government with information and opinions on request. In addition, he submits an annual report on his activities and observations to Parliament and to the Government.

The present Chancellor of Justice is Mr. Jaakko Jonkka (LLD). He is Finland's 16th Chancellor since the country became independent in 1917.

The Chancellor of Justice

• supervises the lawfulness of the official acts of the Government and the President of the Republic;
• provides the President, the Government and the Ministries with information and opinions on legal issues;
• supervises that the courts of law, other authorities and civil servants, public employees and other persons, when the latter are performing a public task, obey the law and fulfil their obligations;
• monitors the implementation of basic rights and liberties and human rights;
• is the head of the Office of the Chancellor of Justice.