How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast Professor of Criminal Law: How Switzerland Punishes Crime Without Destroying Lives PT1
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May 5, 2025 Nora Markwalder, a former prosecutor and professor of criminal law at the University of St. Gallen, dives deep into how Switzerland handles crime. She explains how the Swiss system favors rehabilitation over punishment and what sets it apart from countries like the U.S. and France. From unique monetary penalties to life in Swiss prisons, Nora shares insights on the challenges of reintegration for former inmates and the rights of victims. The discussion also touches on the complexities of navigating language barriers in Swiss courtrooms.
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Fines Over Prison Reduce Incarceration
- Switzerland's incarceration rate is low because the system prioritizes monetary penalties over prison.
- Prison sentences are reserved for serious or repeat offenders while fines use income-based daily rates.
Know How Daily-Rate Fines Work
- Understand that fines are calculated as income-based daily rates and can reach up to 180 days.
- Expect prosecutors to use flexible discretion when determining the number of daily rates for each offence.
Rehabilitation Is The Primary Goal
- Rehabilitation drives policy: short prison terms were reduced and imprisonment is considered ultima ratio (last resort).
- Many sentences are conditional or suspended to prioritize reintegration over punitive incarceration.