1 January

The Penal Code of the Grand Duchy of Finland enters into force. The law replaces the 1734 Penal Code. Capital punishment remains in the law as a punishment for murder, treason and high treason. However, death sentences are not put into practice, but they are commuted into life sentences.

24 January

At the opening of the Diet, the speakers of all four Estates express their concerns about the threat to Finland’s rights.

12 March

In his letter to Governor-General Frederick Heiden, Alexander III asserts that concerns about Finland’s rights and privileges being under a threat are based on a misunderstanding.