Chambre constitutionnelle

The Chambre constitutionnelle hears appeals against constitutional laws, laws and rules of order of the State Council, in matters of votes and elections and matters of validity of popular initiatives.

It also hears, as a single cantonal instance, actions concerning a conflict of competences between authorities.

The Chambre constitutionnelle is composed of 7 permanent judges.

It sits with 5 judges.

The judges of the chamber work in close cooperation with jurists and, for the administrative follow-up of the proceedings and the record of the hearings, with a clerk.

The Chambre constitutionnelle does not provide legal advice.

Your steps in brief

The proceeding involves several steps:
 

Step 1: bring an action before the Chambre constitutionnelle

You must submit your appeal in written form, in one copy per party, to the Chambre constitutionnelle by mail or by depositing it directly at the desk of the Chamber or the Greffe universel. It must be written in French and signed.

Your appeal must imperatively:

• Specify the facts and arguments justifying your appeal
• Indicate what you wish to obtain
• Include all the useful documents justifying your appeal

Step 2: pay an advance on costs

At the initiation of the appeal, you must in principle pay an advance on costs, the amount of which varies according to the nature of your dispute.

These costs, including miscellaneous disbursements and a fee, are to be borne by the parties whose appeal is not fully accepted.

If your resources are insufficient to ensure the defence of your interests in court, you can request legal aid.

Step 3: conduct of the proceeding

The delegated judge sets a deadline for the body concerned to reply to the appeal.

If necessary, a hearing will be held and further investigations may be ordered.

The parties can still express themselves at the end of the proceeding, and the case is kept for trial.

Step 4: end of the proceeding

The substantiated decisions (judgments) are communicated to you in writing.