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. 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 constitutional principles underlying the Swiss legal system are analyzed such as the principle of the Rechtstaat, 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 relationship 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. Presenting a succinct account of Swiss constitutional law, 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"--Unedited summary from book cover.