Appointment of Counsel in Swiss Extradition Proceedings

On September 2, 1986, Switzerland's highest court, the Federal Court of the Swiss Confederation in Lausanne, issued a judgment determining that a person subject to a foreign extradition request is not entitled under all circumstances to the appointment of legal counsel but only if the particular circumstances indicate that the assistance of counsel is required.  The decision is significant in the international enforcement arena which has been substantially formed by this Swiss court.