Stefan Trechsel

Prof. Stefan Trechsel (born 1937) is a retired legal scholar and former Chair of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and Criminal Law Auxiliary Sciences at the University of Zurich (retired August 31, 2004). He held a full professorship at the University of St. Gallen from 1979 to 1999 before moving to Zurich. His academic career included teaching at the Universities of Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich, alongside roles as a public prosecutor in Bern (1971–1975) and extensive engagement with international legal institutions.

• Educational Background:
• Born in Bern, attended Burgdorf High School
• Qualified as a lawyer (1963)
• Doctorate in law (1966), second doctorate (1972) under Prof. Hans Schultz
• Professional Roles:
• Elected to the European Commission of Human Rights (1975)
• VP and President of its Chamber (1987–1994), then President (1995–1999)
• Member of the Executive Committee of the International Criminal Law Society
• 12-year tenure on the Board of the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law

His research focuses on criminal law, criminal procedure, and international legal frameworks. He contributed to legislative reforms in Switzerland and advised cantonal governments. Beyond academia, he is engaged in music, literature, and art, with extensive travel.