Rejoinder

In Swiss ordinary civil proceedings, the rejoinder is the defendant’s second brief when a second exchange of written submissions is ordered. It responds to the reply, maintains or adjusts the defence within the procedural framework, comments on new or clarified allegations and addresses evidence. Because Swiss procedure limits late submissions, the rejoinder often marks an important point for completing the parties’ factual and evidentiary positions. The court may then prepare the taking of evidence, hold a hearing or move toward judgment.