The Finnish law on court proceedings was totally
reformed in the 1990s. The antiquated quasi-oral unstructured proceedings dating
from 1734 were transformed into a modern trial model. Civil procedures at first
instance were reformed first, with the slogan of orality, concentration and
immediacy of trial. These three principles refer to the main hearing of the
trial, which thus structures the whole process. The reform has in many ways
been a success from which other countries may take lessons. However, reasonable
time and costs still remain a challenge. The article reviews the Finnish reform
process of civil procedure at first instance.