Switzerland
2026
- GOVERNMENT
- formally a confederation, but has a structure similar to a federal republic
- CONSTITUTION
- revision of the 1874 constitution adopted by referendum in April 1999, in effect from January 1, 2000
- LEGAL SYSTEM
- civil law incorporating some customary norms
- LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM
- bicameral Federal Assembly, Council of States (Ständerat) and National Council (Nationalrat)
- JUDICIAL SYSTEM
- Federal Supreme Court, judges are appointed by Parliament for 6 years
RELIGIONS
41.8% Catholics; 35.3% Protestants; 4.3% Muslims; other minorities
From the country
- FEBRUARY 21, 2000SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Swiss Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss met with Turkish...
Swiss Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to discuss human rights issues
- JANUARY 1, 2000SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes...
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland has been fully abolitionist since 1992; the last execution was conducted in 1944
- NOVEMBER 8, 1999SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
On November 8, the Swiss representative, Francois Voeffray,...
On November 8, the Swiss representative, Francois Voeffray, speaking at the Third Committee of the General Assembly, said the abolition of capital punishment demonstrated respect for human dignity and the protection of life
- JUNE 22, 1999SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
On June 22, the Swiss Foreign Minister, through his...
On June 22, the Swiss Foreign Minister, through his Spokeswoman Yasmine Chatila, said that he had taken diplomatic action with Tehran to ensure that the 13 Jews arrested on charges of spying for Israel (see Iran) receive "fair treatment
- APRIL 28, 1999SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the...
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the death penalty approved by the UN Commission on Human Rights on April 28, 1999
- JANUARY 1, 1999SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes...
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland has been fully abolitionist since 1992; the last execution was conducted in 1944