NCJ Number
58667
Date Published
1976
Length
322 pages
Annotation
A SYMPOSIUM ON THE JUDICIAL AND QUASI-JUDICIAL MEANS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION WAS SPONSORED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND MONTPELLIERS' LAW AND ECONOMICS FACULTY. THE PAPERS ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES' PRELIMINARY PROGRAM FOR A CONSUMER PROTECTION AND INFORMATION POLICY, THE AIM OF THE SYMPOSIUM WAS TO EXAMINE SYSTEMS OF CONSUMER ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE IN THE MEMBER STATES; SYSTEMS OF REDRESS, ARBITRATION, AND THE AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES; AND THE LAWS OF THE MEMBER STATES RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE COURTS, PARTICULARLY THE VARIOUS MEANS OF RECOURSE AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING ACTIONS BROUGHT BY CONSUMER ASSOCIATIONS OR OTHER BODIES. THE UNANIMOUS OPINION OF THE SYMPOSIUM WAS THAT THE TRADITIONAL JUDICIAL MEANS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION HOLD MANY DISADVANTAGES FOR CONSUMERS AND ARE NOT CAPABLE OF UPHOLDING CONSUMER RIGHTS. SOME MEANS DISCUSSED FOR ENABLING CONSUMERS TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS WITH GREATER EFFECTIVENESS INCLUDE SUPPLYING INFORMATION TO CONSUMERS SO THEY WILL KNOW THEIR RIGHTS, PROVIDING MATERIAL INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE CONSUMERS TO ENFORCE INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS, INTRODUCING CLASS ACTION TO GIVE AGGRESSIVE INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS THE POSSIBILITY OF ENFORCING CLAIMS ON BEHALF OF ALL CONSUMERS SIMILARLY AFFECTED, CREATING SIMPLER PROCEDURES TO INSURE THAT CONSUMERS ARE ABLE TO ENFORCE INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS, AND CREATING SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS TO SUPPORT CONSUMERS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL PROCEDURES FOR CONSUMER REDRESS ARE DISCUSSED FOR THE COUNTRIES OF FRANCE, ITALY, BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS, DENMARK, SWEDEN, ENGLAND, AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. THE SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AND A SUMMARY OF A DEBATE HELD AT THE SYMPOSIUM ARE INCLUDED. (RCB) PROGRAM AND A SUMMARY OF A DEBATE HELD AT THE SYMPOSIUM ARE INCLUDED. (RCB)