Missions

The mission of the Judiciary Power, the third power of the State, is to render justice with dignity, rigour, assiduity, diligence and humanity, to all equally, to the poor as well as to the rich, to the weak as well as to the powerful, to the foreigner as well as to the resident of the country.

While parliament (Cantonal Parliament) drafts laws and the government (State Council) implements them, the courts oversee their application, as well as that of federal law.

There are 3 main branches of justice:

The Federal Constitution guarantees everyone the right to have his/her case heard by a judicial authority; the courts are thus the custodians of justice within the State.

Through their impartiality and the quality of their work, they allow citizens to live in security, with the guarantee that the laws will be applied equally and fairly to all. They thereby contribute to the quality of life of our population and the establishment of "framework conditions" favourable to economic activity.

Law

See also

Civil law branch

The civil courts have jurisdiction to issue a final decision concerning disputes arising between individuals or legal entities.

Criminal law branch

The Public Prosecutor's Office and the criminal justice authorities prosecute and sanction conducts prohibited by law, i.e. contraventions, misdemeanours and felonies.

Public law branch

Public law courts have jurisdiction to issue a final decision concerning disputes arising between private individuals and cantonal or communal administrative authorities, autonomous corporations under public law and institutions under private law vested with state prerogatives.