Lex fori

Lex fori means the law of the court or authority seized of a dispute. In private international law it is most important for procedure: Swiss courts generally apply Swiss procedural rules even when foreign substantive law governs the merits. The lex fori may also determine issues classified as procedural, such as evidence, interim relief or enforcement methods, subject to treaties and mandatory rules. Distinguishing procedure from substance can therefore affect the outcome of cross-border litigation.