Summary

The purpose of this article is to examine theoretical issues which constitute the basis for public service. Public Service Act was passed by the Riigikogu on 25 January 1995 and entered into force on 1 January 1996. The institute of public service was virtually absent in the Estonian legal system before passage of this Act. The rights and duties of officials established by this Act are regulated in the public law sphere but not by labour law. According to traditions of democratic countries, public service in Estonia is also governed by the principle of strict political neutrality. Estonia follows the so-called career system taken from public service principles in Western European countries.