SRL Swiss examines whether judicial and law-enforcement practices comply with the principles of the rule of law and international fair-trial standards.
Our work focuses on judicial independence, impartiality, due process, equality of arms, access to evidence, the right to examine witnesses, reasoned judgments and the right to proceedings within a reasonable time. We also assess whether criminal liability is established through concrete, individualised evidence rather than broad or collective assumptions.
Particular attention is given to the relationship between courts, prosecutors and law-enforcement authorities, the allocation and replacement of judges, access to an effective defence, and the safeguards required when proceedings involve national security or counter-terrorism measures.
Judicial Independence
We examine whether courts and judges are able to perform their functions free from improper influence, pressure or interference.
Fair-Trial Guarantees
We assess compliance with fundamental procedural rights, including equality of arms, access to evidence, effective participation of the defence and reasoned judicial decisions.
Individual Criminal Responsibility
We analyse whether responsibility is established separately for each person on the basis of specific conduct, intent, evidence and causation.
International Legal Standards
Our assessments draw on relevant standards of the United Nations, OSCE/ODIHR, Council of Europe and European human rights system.
SRL Swiss promotes the consistent application of rule-of-law principles and fair-trial guarantees in all criminal proceedings, including those conducted in the context of security and counter-terrorism.
