This article examines the role of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in shaping the framework of international arbitration in Switzerland. It analyses the Court’s limited yet decisive powers of review under the Swiss Private International Law Act, its strict case law on substantive public policy and the procedural rigour required of appellants. Providing insights into the Court’s inner workings, it discusses selected procedural matters, such as the language of the proceedings, advance on court fees, suspensive effect or interim measures, standing, nova and the increased statutory justification requirements. The article outlines how the Court’s jurisprudence reinforces Switzerland’s standing as a leading arbitration venue while offering guidance to practitioners navigating this narrow avenue of judicial scrutiny.
ASA Bulletin