Understanding Swiss Law: A Beginner's Guide
The Foundations of the Swiss Legal System: Sources of Law, Organization, Principles, and How to Navigate It.
Last updated : 2026-04-04
The Foundations of Swiss Law
The sources of Swiss law are: the Federal Constitution (FC), the federal laws (CO, CC, CP, CPC, CPP, etc.), the ordinances of the Federal Council, cantonal law, and jurisprudence (especially from the Federal Supreme Court). Swiss law belongs to the Romano-Germanic tradition (civil law).
Laws are found in the Systematic Collection (RS) online. Decisions of the Federal Supreme Court are published in the ATF (Arrêts du Tribunal fédéral). The principle of good faith (art. 2 CC) is fundamental: every exercise of a right must be in accordance with good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Find Swiss Laws?
Online in the Systematic Compilation (RS): fedlex.admin.ch. Federal Supreme Court rulings: bger.ch.
Is case law binding in Switzerland?
The judgments of the Bundesgericht are not formally binding (it is not common law), but in practice, lower courts regularly follow them.
What is the principle of good faith?
The art. 2 CC imposes the exercise of rights and fulfillment of obligations in accordance with good faith. The abuse of right is not protected by law.
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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