Introduction to Swiss Constitutional Law

The Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation of 18 April 1999 represents the legal foundation of the state and as such contains a blue print for all state activities as well as the rights of the individual in relation to the state. This book offers an accurate and reasonably detailed introduction to Swiss constitutional law and its interrelations with public international law. Since the publication of the second edition of this book, the Swiss Constitution has undergone some dynamic developments. In particular, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal impact of climate change, the war in Ukraine, and uncertainties in the financial market posed new challenges for Swiss constitutional law and Swiss authorities. Presenting a succinct and updated account of Swiss constitutional law as well as the legal developments influencing the interpretation of the Constitution, the third edition of this book will be the ideal introduction for the interested English-speaking student. In addition, anybody interested in the foundation of the Swiss legal system will find the book a useful point of entry to this fascinating field of study. The book first discusses definitions and functions of a constitution in general. It then examines the historical development, sources and interpretation of the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1999. In addition, the major structural principles underlying the Swiss Constitution are analyzed such as the principle of the Rechtsstaat, federalism, democracy and social justice. Furthermore, the book explains how the federal state is constituted and describes the federal organs, their powers and functions as well as the relationships between them. The book also places a special emphasis on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1999 and the protection of these rights by the Federal Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.