Criminal law

Respect the right of way and don't drive in circles I'm really fed up with these cars which, under the pretext of having the right of way, rush into roundabouts without giving others time to enter normally. What exactly does the law say about this? Vaud The...

I've just bought a magnificent car and I briefly accelerated above the speed limit on the motorway for just a few seconds, while the road was perfectly clear and with full visibility. Unfortunately, I think I was flashed just as...

Who will compensate the victim? "In the Marina case (see Tribune de Genève, 10 December 2011), in which a young student was shot in the head, the accused was ordered to pay the plaintiff CHF 147,000 in compensation. Who will have to pay this compensation if the convicted person has no means of support?" Richard,...

Who has the right to go out armed? "I'd like to know whether Switzerland has the same right to carry firearms on the streets as the United States. Tania, La Plaine The issue of firearms regularly hits the headlines in Switzerland. On 13 February 2011, the Swiss people rejected a referendum on...

Who has the right of way on a mountain road? "I read your article of 7 March 2016 on the internet about a problem of priority on the road. I'd like to ask you a question that's been bothering me: I frequently drive along a narrow mountain road where it's rare for two vehicles to be able to get...

A question of priority at the wheel of a car "I was driving on the Swiss road towards Geneva when the right-hand lane I was in came to an end, forcing me to turn left. Some cars had anticipated this measure very early on, forming a long queue, whereas I preferred to stay in my lane and...

What's the difference between defamation and slander? "If I've understood your last column correctly, when someone says I'm dishonest to another person, I can feel insulted because my honesty is being questioned or even judged. What rights do I have in relation to the person making the comment? Myriam, Bernex...

What Criminal Code and what penalties for teenagers " In Switzerland, can a teenager who commits an offence go to prison? Will they have a criminal record as an adult? Ken There is a federal law governing the criminal status of minors, which provides for specific penalties applicable to young people aged 10...

When can I access the criminal file? "Someone lodged a complaint against me. Before my first hearing with the Public Prosecutor's Office, I asked to see the file, but I was refused! Who can have access to this file and when? Alexis, Bellevue As part of the...