NCJ Number
61164
Date Published
1978
Length
103 pages
Annotation
THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS BOARD (PCB) AND OTHER MECHANISMS OF THE SWEDISH CONSUMER PROTECTION SYSTEM ARE EXAMINED.
Abstract
ESTABLISHED IN 1968, THE PCB IS COMPOSED OF BOTH CONSUMER AND BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES WHO MAKE NONBINDING RECOMMENDATIONS IN DISPUTES BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS AND MERCHANTS. THE PCB'S SECRETARIAT GIVES CONSUMERS DIRECT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING THEIR RIGHTS AND POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION. OTHER PARTS OF THE SYSTEM INCLUDE THE SMALL CLAIMS COURTS AND LOCAL SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM THE MUNICIPAL CONSUMER SECRETARIES. PCB UTILIZES LAY MEMBERS' SPECIAL EXPERTISE TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC BELIEF IN THE TRIBUNAL'S OBJECTIVITY AND FAIRNESS, AND TO PERMIT ORGANIZATIONS' INPUT INTO DEVELOPMENT OF LEGAL NORMS. ADVANTAGES OF THE SWEDISH SYSTEM INCLUDE ITS RECOGNIZED DISPUTE RESOLUTION BODY, COST SAVINGS, AND HIGH RATE OF COMPLIANCE WHICH ENCOURAGES GREATER USE OF THE SYSTEM. DISADVANTAGES INCLUDE THE INCONVENIENCE TO SOME CONSUMERS OF THE WRITTEN PROCESS, LACK OF GEOGRAPHIC ACCESS DUE TO THE PCB'S CENTRAL LOCATION IN STOCKHOLM, OVERSIMPLIFICATION IN DECISIONMAKING DUE TO STANDARDIZED FORMS, STAFF SHORTAGES, AND CONFLICTING ATTITUDES BETWEEN THE PCB AND THE SMALL CLAIMS COURTS. GENERALLY, THE SYSTEM PROVIDES AN OVERALL CONSUMER PROTECTION SYSTEM BUT NEEDS MODIFICATION TO MORE EFFECTIVELY HANDLE INDIVIDUAL GRIEVANCES. THE GOVERNMENT'S INVESTIGATORY COMMISSION IS EXPECTED TO RECOMMEND MODIFICATIONS TO THE SYSTEM. FOOTNOTES, AND NUMEROUS TABLES SHOWING PUBLIC ATTITUDES, USE OF SERVICES, AND DECISIONS ON SPECIFIC SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED, AS WELL AS FORMS USED.