Switzerland

Swiss Institute of Comparative Law

The Swiss Institute of Comparative Law (Institut suisse de droit comparé, or ISDC) was established in Lausanne in 1982. Its primary task is to prepare legal opinions in respect of foreign law for the Federal authorities, courts, lawyers and other individuals. It also produces studies in comparative law, holds colloquia and carries out research projects. The Institute has an extensive law library, whose catalogue is available via the website. A set of legal links for countries from Afghanistan to Zambia is available on the Law Online page, annotated in English.

Claims Resolution Tribunal

The Claims Resolution Tribunal was established to resolve claims relating to assets deposited in Swiss banks before and during the Second World war by victims of the Holocaust. The claims process is part of the settlement of the Holocaust Victim Assets class action litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The website provides information on the legal authority of the tribunal, its organisation, management and annual reports. There are lists of people with accounts, details of awards made by the Tribunal and cases where claims have been denied.

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights at Geneva University carries out research and training on international law relating to armed conflict. Its website includes information about courses and specialised training at the Academy, outlines of current and completed research projects and details of publications. It also provides a series of research papers. There are links to the Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts Project website and to the Journal of International Criminal Justice, which is hosted at the Academy. The site can be viewed in French and English.

Tax Planet

Website of Tax Planet, a network of legal and accounting professionals focusing on tax, based in Switzerland. The Research section provides links to tax-related web resources. There is a collection of country guides providing profiles and links to business guides, taxation sites and general information. There are also resources focused on the OECD, the European Union, taxation, accounting, financial markets and a collection of glossaries. The site also provides a directory of tax experts. 

Swiss legal system and research

Online guide to the Swiss legal system by lawyer Gregory M. Bovey, updated by Martin Molina and Sandro Stich. The guide is available on New York University's Globalex website. The authors cover the political system of Switzerland, dealing with the federal, cantonal and municipal levels of government and providing links to the Constitution and official websites. There is information on how laws are made, with links to federal and cantonal legislation.

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