What happens in Switzerland when someone commits a criminal offence?
Was geschieht in der Schweiz, wenn jemand eine Straftat begeht?
Correct answer: A
- A Anyone who has broken a law is punished.Wer gegen ein Gesetz verstossen hat, wird bestraft.
- B Anyone who has become the victim of a crime may take revenge themselves.Wer Opfer eines Verbrechens geworden ist, darf sich selber rächen.
- C Anyone who reports themselves goes unpunished.Wer sich selbst anzeigt, bleibt straffrei.
- D The 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
Last checked: September 2026
Question 92 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.