Civil Procedure Code (CPC) Revision: Hearings Using Electronic Equipment For Audio Or Video Transmission

From 1 January 2025, the course of civil proceedings in Switzerland is expected to change significantly. Until now, with the exception of a brief phase during the COVID-19 pandemic, hearings before civil courts have only taken place physically in a courtroom. With the revision of the Swiss Civil Procedure Code (CPC), the legislator has now created the possibility of holding hearings by video or telephone conference. This innovation creates more flexibility and facilitates access to civil proceedings – but only under certain conditions. Here is an overview of the most significant changes:

1. Virtual Hearings in Civil Proceedings

In future, Swiss civil courts will be able to hold hearings using electronic audio or video equipment, particularly by video conference, or allow parties to participate in hearings remotely. The courts have been granted flexibility as to how they use the technology: hybrid solutions or the partial use of such technologies are just as