CONSUMER REMEDIES

Abstract

Believing 20th century consumer problems derive from the legal system’s failure to adjust to realities wrought by mass production, the author surveys historical attempts to control business practice. He then explores current consumer remedies available in the industrialized world. Some of these are found in common law cases involving sales and warranties, product liability, and class and representative actions; others come from statutory regimes with respect to consumer protection, business practices and economic regulation. He concludes that these sources, as well as emerging approaches, have produced many ideas for better institutional mechanisms, and is hopeful that remedies will grow from an increased interest in consumer law.