The Swiss Judicial System Explained Simply

Federalist Organisation

The Federal Constitution (art. 122-123 FC) grants the Confederation legislative competence for civil and criminal procedure, while judicial organisation remains largely cantonal. Each canton freely organises its courts.

Cantonal Courts

Typically: first-instance courts (district/regional), superior cantonal courts (appeal), specialised courts (rental, commercial, employment, family). Conciliation authorities (justices of the peace) for mandatory civil conciliation (art. 197 CPC).

Federal Courts

Federal Supreme Court (art. 188-189 FC): supreme court in Lausanne (social/criminal law courts in Lucerne). Ensures uniform application of federal law. Federal Administrative Court (FAC): Saint-Gallen. Appeals against federal administrative decisions. Federal Criminal Court (FCC): Bellinzona. Federal criminal jurisdiction (organised crime, terrorism, money laundering).

Path of a Civil Case

1. Conciliation (art. 197 CPC) 2. First instance 3. Appeal (art. 308 CPC) 4. Federal Supreme Court (art. 72 et seq. FSCA)

Path of a Criminal Case

1. Investigation (art. 299 et seq. CrimPC) 2. Summary penalty order or indictment 3. First instance 4. Appeal (art. 398 CrimPC) 5. Federal Supreme Court (art. 78 et seq. FSCA)

Jurisdiction Rules

Civil: generally defendant's domicile (art. 10 CPC), with exceptions (tenancy: property location, art. 33 CPC; employment: workplace, art. 34 CPC). Dispute value determines procedure: simplified up to CHF 30,000 (art. 243 CPC), ordinary above.