General Law

Capacity to act

0410-en RE320 Civil Code (ZGB) As of 11.07.2026


Capacity to act is the ability to create, shape or cancel rights and obligations through one's own actions. Anyone who is of age and capable of judgement is capable of acting. In the case of legal transactions, this is referred to as contractual capacity, whereas in the case of unlawful acts it is referred to as tort capacity.

Deutsch

Handlungsfähigkeit 0410-de

Handlungsfähigkeit ist die Fähigkeit, durch eigene Handlungen Recht und Pflichten zu begründen, zu gestalten oder aufzuheben. Handlungsfähig ist, wer volljährig und urteilsfähig ist. Bei rechtsgeschäftlichen Handlungen spricht man von der Vertragsfähigkeit, bei unerlaubten Handlungen dagegen von der Deliktsfähigkeit.

Suggested citation

Capacity to act (0410-en), in: LAWPEDIA®-Glossar, provided by LAWCONSULT AG, www.lawconsult.ch/lawpedia/en/capacity-to-act, as of: 11.07.2026 [accessed on ].

The entries in the LAWPEDIA® glossary serve general information purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Despite careful preparation, LAWCONSULT AG accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information.

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