Main hearing
The main hearing is the central court session where parties present positions, evidence is addressed and the case moves toward judgment.
In Swiss civil procedure, the main hearing is the formal oral stage after the written or preparatory phase, where applicable. The court may hear party submissions, examine witnesses or experts, take other evidence and allow closing statements. Its scope depends on the procedure and on what has already been clarified in writing or at preparatory hearings. Although many civil cases settle or are decided mainly on documents, the main hearing remains the key setting for oral presentation and evidentiary activity before judgment.