Latest Judgments of the Federal Court
Here you will find the most recent judgments of the Federal Court (BGer) from bger.ch. For the first three judgments, we present detailed summaries including facts, considerations, and dispositives. For the other judgments, you will find a summary of the facts. The complete summaries of all judgments are available on the Lexplorer portal. There you can configure your newsletter and receive the latest judgments tailored to your areas of law.
6B_655/2023: Judgment on Corruption and the Principle of "in dubio pro reo"
Summary of the Facts
The case concerns acts of corruption related to an international raw materials company, where large sums of money were promised and paid to foreign officials and their relatives. The aim was to obtain mining rights in West Africa. The main actor, A.________, is implicated regarding his role in the planning and execution of the corrupt practices. The issues at stake are international jurisdiction and an ordered compensation claim. The measures are based on Article 322septies of the Swiss Penal Code (Corruption of foreign officials).
Summary of the Considerations
**E.1:** The corruption was carried out by A.________ and other parties by promising a benefit to the then president of U.________ and his wife. A central component was the involvement and use of corporate structures managed from Switzerland. The Swiss courts were competent for the matter since part of the corrupt actions took place in Switzerland.
**E.2:** It was found that the payments were made in connection with a promise already made during the president's lifetime. The death of the president does not affect the criminal assessment since the promise existed before his death and the payments thereafter merely represented the fulfillment of this obligation.
**E.5:** The disputed point was the amount of an ordered compensation claim of 5 million francs. However, the reasoning of the lower court regarding the causal connection between the corruption and the economic benefit that A.________ derived from the transaction was deemed insufficient. There was no in-depth consideration of proportionality or direct causal relationship.
Summary of the Dispositive
The judgment was partially contested; the compensation claim must be reassessed, while other points were confirmed. The costs of the proceedings are borne by A.________.
4A_196/2025: Non-fulfillment of a Complaint due to Lack of Cost Advance
Summary of the Facts
The Court of Appeal of the Canton of Glarus required the complainant in two orders to pay the court cost advance. The complainant lodged a complaint against these orders to the Federal Court without paying the required cost advance. Despite setting a deadline and an extension by the Federal Court, the advance payment was not made. The complainant requested a stay and a reconsideration regarding the cost advance payment, although new factual aspects were lacking.
Summary of the Considerations
- **E.1**: The Federal Court found that there were no special reasons to waive the imposition of the cost advance according to Art. 62 para. 1 sentence 2 BGG. - **E.2**: A request for reconsideration regarding the cost advance order could not be accepted as no new factual aspects were presented (Art. 32 para. 3 BGG). Such a request without new circumstances would undermine the norm (cf. previous case law). - **E.3**: The request for payment of the court cost advance remains in force. - **E.4**: Due to the failure to pay the cost advance within the extension period, the complaint is not considered (Art. 108 para. 1 lit. a and Art. 62 para. 3 BGG). - **E.5**: Independently, the complaint also does not meet the justification requirements of Art. 42 para. 2 BGG. - **E.6**: Court costs are imposed on the complainant; no party compensation is granted.
Summary of the Dispositive
The complaint is not considered, and the court costs are imposed on the complainant.
5A_486/2025: Decision on Granting a Travel Permit for a Minor
Summary of the Facts
The father and mother are separated and share parental custody of their ten-year-old son. The mother has sole custody. The mother applied to the court for a travel permit to travel with her son to Crete. The father opposed, citing a potential risk of international child abduction, particularly to the mother’s home country, Russia. The cantonal court allowed the trip, against which the father appealed to the Federal Court.
Summary of the Considerations
The father argues that the mother's travel request should be denied due to the risk that she could take their son through Crete and Turkey to Russia. The cantonal court assessed this risk as low based on the specific travel circumstances (destination Crete and the systematic customs checks) and the time elapsed since the separation (no prior attempt at abduction risk). The Federal Court reviews the complaint within the framework of constitutional questions (Art. 98 BGG). It does not assess appellate criticism but requires a detailed justification for alleged constitutional violations. The father could not demonstrate arbitrariness in the lower court's judgment. His arguments, based on pure speculation (e.g., possible circumvention of customs checks), are not sufficient to substantiate a constitutional violation. The father also failed to prove that the trip would adversely affect the child's welfare (Art. 3 para. 1 CRC). The cantonal authority has taken appropriate measures. The father's criticism that the cantonal instance discriminated against his professional and social situation is deemed irrelevant to the substantive decision. The remarks had no impact on the decision regarding the travel permit.
Summary of the Dispositive
The complaint was rejected, court costs were imposed, and no super-provisional measures were deemed necessary.
2C_339/2025: Non-payment of the Cost Advance in an Immigration Law Procedure
Summary of the Facts
The complainant, a Portuguese national whose residence permit was revoked due to serious crimes, lodged a complaint against a decision of the Administrative Court of the Canton of Thurgau after it did not consider his submission due to unpaid cost advance. The complainant argues, among other things based on international regulations, that his request should be processed even though the cost advance was not paid in time.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_983/2024: Judgment on a Revision in a Criminal Proceeding Regarding Corruption of Foreign Officials
Summary of the Facts
This case involves a revision of a judgment by the Geneva court instance from March 28, 2023, which convicted the complainant A.________ of corruption of foreign officials (Art. 322septies StGB) to a prison sentence of three years, of which 18 months are mandatory and the rest suspended with a probation period of three years. Additionally, a compensation claim of 50 million francs in favor of the Canton of Geneva was issued. The complainant filed for revision citing allegedly new evidence and claimed that there were agreements between the responsible prosecutor and witnesses from the opposing party that could question the objectivity of the evidence presentation.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
8C_278/2025: Inadmissibility of a Social Security Procedure
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ applied to the Center Social Régional (CSR) for the coverage of his entire rent under the Revenu d'insertion. The cantonal authority approved the coverage of a reduced rent amount according to legal norms. A cantonal appeal against this decision was unsuccessful. The complainant then filed a complaint with the Federal Court, which was unfounded and not legally substantiated.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
1C_190/2024: Judgment on the Building Permit for a Mobile Phone Facility (5G)
Summary of the Facts
Swisscom applied in 2017 for the construction of a mobile phone facility in Wattenwil. After changes to the project (including the introduction of adaptive antennas for 5G), a new building permit was issued by the government representative, which was challenged by objections. The Administrative Court of the Canton of Bern confirmed the permit, after which several residents appealed to the Federal Court. The main point of contention was the planned installation of adaptive 5G antennas and their compliance with the applicable limits and technical requirements.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4D_75/2025: Inadmissibility of a Cost Advance and the Requirements of a Complaint
Summary of the Facts
The complainant appealed against a ruling of the Zurich Court of Appeals, which did not consider his submission and denied free legal assistance. He requested the Federal Court to appoint a lawyer. The Federal Court demanded a cost advance, which was not paid even after a deadline was set, and did not consider the complaint.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
8C_502/2024: Disability Pension Claim with a Disability Degree Over 40%
Summary of the Facts
The complainant, born in 1995, has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis. After completing her training as a midwife and with a health impairment of 30%, the IV office in Bern determined her disability degree to be under 40%, thus no pension claim was granted. The lower instance (Administrative Court of the Canton of Bern) confirmed the decision of the IV office. The complainant requested the Federal Court to set a disability degree of over 40% to establish a pension claim.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
9C_293/2025: Inadmissibility of the Complaint Regarding a Termination Confirmation by the Health Insurance
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ approached the Social Security Court of the Canton of Zurich, as KPT Health Insurance AG did not confirm her termination. The procedure became moot and was dismissed as the termination confirmation occurred within the exchange of pleadings. With her complaint to the Federal Court, A.________ sought, among other things, damages and an additional review of the case.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
1C_355/2025: Inadmissibility of the Complaint in International Mutual Legal Assistance Cases
Summary of the Facts
A.________, a US and Luxembourg citizen, was arrested on May 13, 2025, in Switzerland based on a provisional arrest order from the Federal Office of Justice (UFG) following a request from the US Department of Justice for extradition due to criminal investigations (allegations of conspiracy and corruption). A.________ challenged the arrest order before the Appeals Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court, which dismissed the legal remedy on June 10, 2025. Against this decision, A.________ appealed to the Federal Court.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
8C_594/2024: Decision on Disability Pension and the Principle of Investigation
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ claimed disability insurance benefits due to a disc herniation. The IV office of the Canton of Aargau rejected the pension request after reviewing the medical and occupational circumstances. The Insurance Court of the Canton of Aargau confirmed this decision. The complainant appealed to the Federal Court, requesting the granting of benefits, possibly obtaining an expert opinion, and remitting the case for reassessment.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
1G_1/2025: Correction of a Federal Court Judgment Regarding the Compensation of Party Costs According to Art. 129 para. 1 BGG
Summary of the Facts
A.________ requested a correction of the judgment by her legal representative, as a clerical error led to a misinterpretation of the dispositive in the earlier decision (deviation from the clear considerations).
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
7B_496/2025: Decision on the Extension of Pre-Trial Detention
Summary of the Facts
A.________ is accused in a criminal procedure of drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, qualified money laundering, violations of the Weapons Act, and forgery. After multiple extensions of his pre-trial detention, he requested in a complaint to the Federal Court for his immediate release. The lower courts still saw urgent suspicion, risk of collusion, and qualified repeat offender risk.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
2C_148/2025: Decision on the Question of the Expiration of a UE/AELS Residence Permit
Summary of the Facts
The Italian citizen A.________, who has lived in Switzerland since 1964 and held a UE/AELS residence permit, was investigated by the cantonal authorities due to doubts about his actual residence in Switzerland. Based on the established long absence from Switzerland, the authorities declared the permit expired. This decision was confirmed by all cantonal instances. A.________ filed a complaint with the Federal Court, contesting the expiration of the permit and the violation of the principle of proportionality and good faith.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_1340/2023: Procedure Related to the Violation of the LPC
Summary of the Facts
B.________ and A.________ were initially convicted by the criminal courts of the Canton of Ticino for violating federal legislation on supplementary benefits (LPC) and, in the case of B.________, additionally for fraud. The conviction related to the failure to report the resumption of joint living arrangements, which affected the amount of supplementary benefits paid. After an appeal, B.________ was acquitted of the charge of fraud; however, the conviction for violating the LPC remained. Both then filed a complaint with the Federal Court, seeking their complete acquittal and new determinations regarding the process costs and other aspects.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
1C_306/2024: Decision on a Building Permit for a Heat Pump and Its Location
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ contests the location and choice of heat pumps on the neighboring property of B.________. In her opinion, the precautionary principle was violated and alternative locations were not adequately examined, despite compliance with noise protection planning values. The Federal Court had to decide on the complaint against the building permit of the Grosswangen municipal council.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4D_114/2025: Free Legal Assistance
Summary of the Facts
The complainant requested free legal assistance from the Conciliation Authority of Basel-Stadt, which granted this only up to a dispute value of CHF 5,000 and rejected it beyond that due to hopelessness. The Court of Appeals dismissed the complaint filed against this decision. The complainant then appealed to the Federal Court with a subsidiary constitutional complaint.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
2C_341/2025: Judgment on Delay of Justice and Free Legal Proceedings
Summary of the Facts
The complainant, a Portuguese national who had already been expelled from Switzerland, lodged a complaint for delay of justice with the Administrative Court of the Canton of Thurgau and requested free legal proceedings and representation. This request was not granted, and the Administrative Court ordered him to pay a cost advance. The complainant appealed to the Federal Court against this decision.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
2C_299/2025: Inadmissibility of the Complaint Against the Home Cost Regulation in the Canton of Ticino
Summary of the Facts
A.________, father of a child placed in Center C.________, filed a legal remedy against the cantonal regulation of home costs, which exclusively concerned the relationship between the Canton of Ticino and the home. The Administrative Court of the Canton of Ticino and the Federal Court found that A.________ had no legally protected interest since the decision did not specifically and directly affect him. A future recourse claim by the state against him was hypothetical.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4D_85/2025: Judgment on the Complaint in the Legal Opening Procedure
Summary of the Facts
The complainant appealed against the decision of the Cantonal Court of Valais, which rejected her request for the production of bank documents and her complaint against the issuance of a definitive legal opening in the amount of CHF 2,300 plus interest.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
9C_449/2024: Decision Regarding the Tax Years 2013 to 2015 (Conditions of Receipt)
Summary of the Facts
A.________ and B.________, residing in the Canton of Neuchâtel, are fully taxable in the area of income and wealth tax. The tax office of the Canton of Neuchâtel (SCCO) confirmed the final tax assessments for the direct federal tax (DBST) as well as the cantonal and municipal taxes (KCS) for the tax periods 2013–2015 on July 7, 2023, after A.________'s complaint was rejected. The cantonal court partially overturned the SCCO's decision and remitted the case for reassessment. A.________ then filed a complaint with the Federal Court.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_656/2023: Judgment on Corruption of Public Officials Abroad and Other Criminal Matters
Summary of the Facts
The Federal Court is dealing with a case in which the complainant A.________ was convicted on charges of corruption of foreign public officials under Art. 322septies StGB. The corruption involved the former president of U.________, F1.________, who provided rights for mining projects to the detriment of the complainant and her business partners, in violation of regulations. Several individuals and companies were involved in complex financial structures to conceal the payments and the business purpose. A.________ was significantly involved in administratively supporting the structures and processes and facilitating acts of deprivation of liberty.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_671/2024: Decision on a Complaint Regarding Fraudulent Benefits from Disability Insurance
Summary of the Facts
A.________ was accused of having illegally obtained benefits from disability insurance for his severely ill and warded daughter B.________ through deception and concealment between 2012 and 2021. He had concealed the actual residence of his daughter and himself abroad (Chile) to continue receiving non-exportable benefits such as an extraordinary pension and a large disability care allowance.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
7B_1257/2024: Rejection of Complaints Regarding the Repeated Request for the Dismissal of a Prosecutor and a Court Clerk
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ repeatedly requested the dismissal of a prosecutor and a court clerk in a criminal investigation against him. He cited various alleged violations and irregularities during the proceedings, including alleged bias and disregard for his rights. The lower instance, the Chambre pénale de recours des Kantons Genève, rejected these requests as either unfounded or untimely. The Federal Court addressed the complaints in two proceedings (7B_1257/2024 and 7B_410/2025) and also rejected them.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_669/2023: Conviction for Corruption of Foreign Officials
Summary of the Facts
The complainant, an entrepreneur, led an international company and was the economic beneficiary of the mining project. It was found that he was directly and indirectly involved in the organization and execution of a corruption scheme through which mining rights were awarded by a West African head of state to his company. Promises and financial contributions to the president's wife were central to advancing the project.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
9C_245/2025: Inadmissibility in the Area of Disability Insurance
Summary of the Facts
A.________ appealed against the judgment of the Administrative Court of the Canton of Bern dated April 2, 2025. The core issue was the procedure related to disability insurance. The complainant also requested free legal assistance and an extension of the deadline for submitting further documents and a more detailed justification.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
5A_473/2025: Decision on Process Costs and Legal Remedy Procedure
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ objected to a request from the president of the chamber for protective measures of the Cantonal Court of Ticino to pay a process cost advance of CHF 500 by June 11, 2025, and requested free legal assistance and state cost coverage from the Federal Court.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
2F_10/2025: Judgment on a Revision Regarding State Liability
Summary of the Facts
A.________ filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Gallen, among other things, for health damages due to asbestos exposure and inadequate COVID measures. The lawsuit was dismissed due to the failure to conduct a conciliation procedure and the court's lack of jurisdiction. Various complaints and a request for revision by A.________ against the original judgment of the Federal Court were also not addressed due to insufficient legal justification. A.________ subsequently requested a revision of the last revision judgment.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4D_82/2025: Inadmissibility of the Complaint Due to Non-payment of the Cost Advance
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ appealed against a decision of the Cantonal Court of St. Gallen. After being requested by the Federal Court to pay a cost advance of CHF 500, no payment was made within the deadline. An extension was set, but this was also not complied with. The decision regarding the extension was treated as delivered, as the complainant was responsible for receiving it at the address he provided.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4D_96/2025: Tenant Eviction – Complaint Against the Non-Entry Decision of the Aargau Court of Appeals
Summary of the Facts
The complainant was ordered by the decision of the District Court of Brugg on March 13, 2025, to vacate a rental property. After she lodged a complaint against this decision, the Court of Appeals of the Canton of Aargau did not enter into the complaint on May 19, 2025, as the cost advance had not been paid. The complainant then appealed to the Federal Court with a submission dated May 27, 2025.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4A_140/2025: Inadmissibility
Summary of the Facts
The company A.________ Sàrl, which is now in liquidation and whose purpose included tree care work, was dissolved by the shareholders' meeting on February 2, 2022. Several changing liquidators were appointed, with the last liquidator, Prof. G.________, resigning due to a lack of sufficient financial resources or information to fulfill his mandate. B.________ requested the first instance court to appoint a liquidator again. However, the first instance court decided to carry out the liquidation of the company according to bankruptcy law, as other legal measures were ineffective. On appeal, the second instance overturned this judgment and remitted the case for re-evaluation to the first instance court.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
9C_539/2024: Judgment on Disability Insurance and Work Capability
Summary of the Facts
A.________ registered with the disability insurance (IV) in January 2020 for benefits due to back and headaches as well as psychological issues. After the health-related termination of his employment, various professional reintegration measures failed, including a stress training. A bi-disciplinary report confirmed his work capability of 70% in light, back-adapted activities. The IV office then rejected further measures and the pension claim. The Insurance Court of the Canton of Solothurn confirmed this decision.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
5G_4/2025: Request for Correction Regarding a Federal Court Judgment
Summary of the Facts
The applicant A.________ requested in a submission dated June 17, 2025, the correction of the Federal Court judgment 5D_8/2025 of May 21, 2025. She objected that the factual representation regarding her receipt of social assistance and a disability pension was incorrect.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
5A_809/2024: Decision on the Mandate for Control and Information According to Art. 307 para. 3 ZGB
Summary of the Facts
The mother of B. (born 2015) challenged a protective measure of the regional protection authority Losone according to Art. 307 para. 3 ZGB. This had mandated the Office for Social Support and Protection ('UAP') to conduct control and information. It was about reviewing the family situation and possible psychological support for B. The Federal Court had to examine the proportionality and necessity of the measure.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_657/2023: Judgment on Sentencing in Cases of Corruption of Foreign Officials
Summary of the Facts
In this case, A.________, B.________, and C.________ were convicted of corruption of foreign officials (Art. 322septies StGB) as well as partially for forgery (Art. 251 StGB). The judgments were based on complex facts related to the allocation of mining rights in a foreign country, which lasted for several years. The perpetrators used corruption and concealment through corporate structures. The severity of the sentences imposed in the cantonal courts was the main subject of the present proceedings.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4A_263/2025: Obvious Inadmissibility of a Legal Remedy Due to Alleged Irreparable Disadvantage
Summary of the Facts
A legal dispute between A.________ (the appellant) and B.________ (the opposing party) concerned the question of whether the appellant was personally a co-tenant of a commercial tenancy agreement and thus liable for the payment of rent. The lease had initially been signed by A.________ in the name of his company; later, the opposing party filed a claim against the company, which was not covered due to bankruptcy. Subsequently, the opposing party sued for the personal liability of A.________. The rental court of Vaud decided that A.________ should not be considered personally as a party to the lease. However, this judgment was overturned by the Cantonal Court of Vaud in appellate proceedings, which held that A.________ was jointly liable with his company.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
8C_341/2025: Inadmissibility on Complaint
Summary of the Facts
The complainant approached the Federal Court, as the social security institution of the Canton of Zurich did not grant his mother supplementary benefits to the AHV for the period from March 1 to May 31, 2023. The cantonal court confirmed the decision previously, stating that a claim of the complainant against his mother in this context could not be considered.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
7F_13/2025: Decision Regarding the Request for Revision Concerning Previous Decisions
Summary of the Facts
A.________ had unsuccessfully challenged his requests for the disqualification of prosecutor Frédéric Scheidegger against him in previous proceedings before the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Justice of the Canton of Geneva (decisions 7B_259/2023 and 7B_512/2024 of January 20, 2025). On March 12, 2025, A.________ submitted a request for revision to the Federal Court, citing an alleged failure to mention a crucial document in the original proceedings.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
9C_320/2022: Decision on Retraining and Daily Allowance Claims in the Context of Disability Insurance
Summary of the Facts
The Federal Court assesses two complaints from A.________ against decisions of the disability insurance (IV office of the Canton of Zurich). One concerned the daily allowance claim for November 2021, and the other involved the termination of an approved retraining as a work educator. The IV office had justified the termination of the retraining by the lack of active participation of the insured person and had only partially approved the daily allowance for November 2021. The complaints of the insured person were dismissed.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
4A_216/2025: Withdrawal of the Legal Remedy in a Tenancy Dispute
Summary of the Facts
The legal dispute concerned a lease agreement between the complainants A.________ Sàrl, B.________, and C.________ and the respondent D.________ SA. The complainants filed a complaint with the Federal Court against a judgment of the Civil Court of Appeal of the Cantonal Tribunal of Vaud dated April 8, 2025, on May 8, 2025. In a letter dated June 27, 2025, the complainants announced the withdrawal of their legal remedy.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
6B_463/2024: Decision on a Revision Complaint in Connection with Corruption of Foreign Officials
Summary of the Facts
The complainant, A.________, was convicted by the Cantonal Court of Geneva for corruption of foreign officials (Art. 322septies StGB) to a prison sentence of three years, partially suspended. Additionally, he was imposed a compensation claim in favor of the State of Geneva. He requested a revision of this judgment based on allegedly newly emerged evidence, including a decision from the highest jurisdiction in W.________ and an affidavit from a journalist. The Cantonal Court rejected the revision complaint, stating that the requirements for new and serious evidence according to Art. 412 para. 2 StPO were not met.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.
1C_348/2025: Non-Entry on a Complaint Regarding Suspensive Effect and Provisional Measures
Summary of the Facts
The complainant A.________ opposed a decision of the Spatial Planning and Building Commission Rüti, which required him to install fall protection at buildings. After the Building Appeals Court restored the suspensive effect of his appeal, the Administrative Court of the Canton of Zurich dismissed the complaint filed against it. A.________ ultimately appealed to the Federal Court.
Complete summary of the judgment can be found in the Portal.