There are various laws in Switzerland. Which one governs whether someone has to go to prison?
In der Schweiz gibt es verschiedene Gesetze. Welches regelt, ob jemand ins Gefängnis muss?
Correct answer: C
- A Code of Obligations (OR)Obligationenrecht (OR)
- B Civil Code (ZGB)Zivilgesetzbuch (ZGB)
- C Criminal Code (StGB)Strafgesetzbuch (StGB)
- D Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (SchKG)Bundesgesetz über Schuldbetreibung und Konkurs (SchKG)
Why
Prison is a punishment. Which acts are punishable and which punishments exist for them is governed by the Criminal Code.
Common mistakes
- D: Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (SchKG)
- Nobody goes to prison because of debts alone. The SchKG only governs debt enforcement.
- A: Code of Obligations (OR)
- The OR governs contracts, not punishments.
- B: Civil Code (ZGB)
- The ZGB governs family and persons, not punishments.
Topic
Federal Constitution, ZGB, OR, StGB
The constitution of Switzerland is called the Federal Constitution, abbreviated BV. It is the highest law of the country. It contains the fundamental rights and sets out how the state works. The first Federal Constitution dates from 1848; the current one has been in force since 2000. It is sometimes also called Switzerland's Basic Law, but its official name is Federal Constitution.
Having a say: rights and obligations
Laws and prohibitions
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 96 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.