Ordinance-making and delegated rulemaking

In Swiss public law, ordinances contain abstract, generally applicable rules adopted below the level of a statute. They may implement legislation, regulate technical details or, where delegation is sufficient, create more substantive obligations within defined limits. Delegated rulemaking must respect the hierarchy of norms, the legal basis, fundamental rights and proportionality. Important policy choices generally require a statute adopted by the legislature. Courts and reviewing authorities may examine whether an ordinance exceeds the delegation or conflicts with superior law.