Statement of claim

The statement of claim frames a civil dispute and gives the court and defendant notice of what is sought and why. In Swiss civil procedure it normally identifies the parties, states the legal prayers for relief, alleges the relevant facts and indicates the evidence offered for each disputed point. Depending on the procedure, it may also address jurisdiction, value in dispute and prior conciliation. A clear claim is essential because later amendments and new allegations may be restricted. It should distinguish factual allegations from legal argument and formulate enforceable requests.