Introduction to Swiss Constitutional Law

The Federal Constitution of the SwissConfederation of 18 April 1999 represents the legal foundation of the state andas such contains a blue print for all state activities as well as the rights ofthe individual in relation to the state. This book offers an accurate andreasonably detailed introduction to Swiss constitutional law and itsinterrelations with public international law. The book first discusses definitions andfunctions of a constitution in general. It then examines the historicaldevelopment, sources and interpretation of the Swiss Federal Constitution of1999. In addition, the major constitutional principles underlying the Swisslegal system are analyzed such as the principle of the Rechtsstaat, federalism,democracy and social justice. Furthermore, the book explains how the federalstate is constituted and describes the federal organs, their powers andfunctions as well as the relationships between them. The book also places aspecial emphasis on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Swiss FederalConstitution of 1999 and the protection of these rights by the Federal SupremeCourt and the European Court of Human Rights. Presenting a succinct account of Swissconstitutional law, this book will be the ideal introduction for the interestedEnglish-speaking student. In addition, anybody interested in the foundation ofthe Swiss legal system will find the book a useful point of entry to thisfascinating field of study.