Jurisdiction (international)

In international law, jurisdiction describes a state’s authority to regulate conduct, decide disputes and enforce decisions. Territorial jurisdiction is primary, but states may also rely on nationality, passive personality, protective principles or, for the gravest crimes, universal jurisdiction. Enforcement on another state’s territory normally requires consent or a recognized legal basis. Switzerland must consider these limits when applying Swiss law to cross-border conduct, criminal matters, financial regulation, sanctions and civil proceedings involving foreign parties.