Finnish Studies Program at the University of Toronto &

Canadian Friends of Finland (CFF) jointly welcome you to

the 11th public lecture in the series

An Evening with Finnish Studies.

LAW, TRUST AND LEGITIMACY:

FINNISH AND NORDIC EXPERIENCES

delivered by Prof. Kimmo Nuotio

(University of Helsinki, Finland)

The Nordic countries are known for people’s high confidence in the authorities, including the police, the prosecutors and the courts. People are also well networked, civil society is strong, and political life is less polarized than in countries which only have two main political parties. Nordic countries are known for their welfare systems, which are based on a status concept – simply being a citizen or a lawful resident.

This is all an important asset in terms of the legitimacy of the law: The law functions easier under such conditions. The law gives protection and works within society. It is not a coincidence that the level of corruption is very low in the Nordic countries. Recent trends in political life indicate, however, that new tensions have arisen. The Nordic countries are facing a serious test for their approach after the new nationalist and populist parties have appeared.

Professor Kimmo Nuotio has been researching criminal law and legal theory from a variety of perspectives, often with links to social and political theory. In recent publications, Nuotio has investigated issues of multiculturalism, hate speech, terrorism, and European criminal law. Nuotio has his PhD in Law from the University of Helsinki. He was the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Helsinki from 2010 to 2017. He has been much involved in researcher education and he has worked as the Vice-director of a Centre of Excellence funded by the Academy of Finland.

Free admission. Reception with light refreshments follows. Everybody welcome!

R.S.V.P. by November 23rd via phone: 416-926-1300, ext. 3337 or Email

More info: email Prof. Anu Muhonen

Please consider a donation to Finnish Studies at the U of T by giving to CFFEF