Swiss Passport

Question 92 of 350 · Democracy and the rule of law

What happens in Switzerland when someone commits a criminal offence?

Was geschieht in der Schweiz, wenn jemand eine Straftat begeht?

Correct answer: A

  1. AAnyone who has broken a law is punished.Wer gegen ein Gesetz verstossen hat, wird bestraft.
  2. BAnyone who has become the victim of a crime may take revenge themselves.Wer Opfer eines Verbrechens geworden ist, darf sich selber rächen.
  3. CAnyone who reports themselves goes unpunished.Wer sich selbst anzeigt, bleibt straffrei.
  4. DThe victims of a crime can choose between different punishments.Die Opfer eines Verbrechens können zwischen verschiedenen Strafen wählen.

Why

In a state governed by the rule of law, the law applies to everyone. Anyone who commits a criminal offence is prosecuted, and a court decides the punishment according to the law.

Common mistakes

B: Anyone who has become the victim of a crime may take revenge themselves.
Taking the law into your own hands is prohibited. Only the state may punish (monopoly on the use of force).
C: Anyone who reports themselves goes unpunished.
Reporting yourself can reduce the punishment, but as a rule it does not mean you go unpunished.
D: The victims of a crime can choose between different punishments.
The punishment is decided by the court according to the law, not by the victim.

Topic

Rule of law and monopoly on the use of force

Switzerland is a state governed by the rule of law. This means: the laws apply to everyone. They apply to Swiss citizens, to foreigners and also to politicians. They also apply to people who said no in a popular vote. And above all: the state, too, must abide by the laws. It may not act arbitrarily.

How the state works · Democracy and the rule of law

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.