Appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court
Conditions, Time Limits, and Specificities of Appeal to the Federal Supreme Court in Civil, Criminal, and Administrative Matters.
Last updated : 2026-04-12
Appeal to the Federal Supreme Court
The Federal Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority (art. 188 Cst.). Conditions: exhaustion of cantonal remedies, respect for the 30-day deadline (art. 100 LTF), minimum disputed amount in civil matters (CHF 30,000, art. 74 LTF), absence of exclusion (art. 83 LTF). The Federal Supreme Court only reviews a violation of federal law (art. 95 LTF), not the appropriateness. It is bound by the facts unless there is manifest error (art. 97 LTF). A constitutional appeal in lieu of ordinary appeal (art. 113 et seq. LTF) is possible when the ordinary appeal is inadmissible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Appeal Always Be Made to the Federal Supreme Court?
There are contentious value conditions, exhaustion of remedies, and absence of exclusion (art. 74, 83 LTF).
Does the Bundesgericht re-examine the facts?
Only if the finding of facts is manifestly inaccurate (art. 97 para. 1 LTF).
What is the appeal period?
30 days from notification of the cantonal judgment (art. 100 para. 1 LTF).
Editorial note
This article is provided for general information on Swiss law. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a professional.
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