Administrative enforcement

Administrative enforcement ensures that public-law obligations are not merely declaratory. Swiss authorities may, within the limits of legal basis and proportionality, order substitute performance, coercive measures, administrative compulsion or enforcement costs. Enforcement normally presupposes an enforceable duty, often established by a decision, and respect for procedural guarantees. Urgent police action may justify immediate factual measures where delay would endanger public interests. Enforcement must be distinguished from punishment, although the same conduct may also trigger administrative or criminal sanctions.