Session Profile: Vilja Toomast
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-20
Political Position
The political position is strongly procedural and focused on legislative drafting, emphasizing the modernization of the Imprisonment Act and related procedural legislation. The views of the Ministry of Justice are supported, and efforts are made to resolve practical issues raised by the Chancellor of Justice, such as excessive solitary confinement. These positions are primarily policy- and administrative-based, ensuring the consistency and enforceability of the laws.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of criminal law, the enforcement of sentences, and complex legislative procedure. This expertise is evident in detailed explanations concerning the substance of the proposed amendments, the justifications provided by the Ministry of Justice, and the remarks made by the Chancellor of Justice, utilizing specific terminology such as "inmate register" and "probation."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, neutral, and informative, focusing on reporting the details and procedural flow of the Legal Affairs Committee's work. The speaker emphasizes saving time and presents logical, fact-based arguments, citing specific dates, voting results, and legislative acts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The level of activity is linked to intensive work in the Legal Affairs Committee, including the organization of two sessions and an off-site session at Tallinn Prison. The rapporteur is an active presenter who manages the proceedings of a protracted draft law concerning multiple pieces of legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct opposition was not expressed, but reports indicate the rejection of amendments proposed by Riigikogu member Riina Solman in the Legal Affairs Committee. The rejection was based on policy and administrative grounds, citing the Ministry of Justice's arguments regarding security risks (e.g., a criminal operating under the guise of an employer) and the prison's capacity to provide higher education.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensual and institutional, emphasizing the Legal Committee's consensus on the majority of decisions. Close collaboration is maintained with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Chancellor of Justice, and the prison to ensure the practical applicability of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no regional focus; the emphasis is placed on national legislation and the correctional system (the system for the execution of imprisonment). Tallinn Prison is mentioned in connection with an off-site hearing, which was more of an institutional activity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are the rights and restrictions of inmates, particularly the duration of solitary confinement and access to educational opportunities. Support is given to achieving a balance between security and inmate rights by introducing amendments that limit excessive solitary confinement and outdated methods of drug control.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Imprisonment Act and 13 related acts, including the procedural codes (the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Code of Misdemeanor Procedure). The main priorities are increasing administrative efficiency, regulating solitary confinement with the permission of the court or the prosecutor’s office, and establishing a legal basis for the service of procedural documents via an e-portal. The speaker is the rapporteur responsible for processing the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed