Vulnerable Consumers and the Law: Consumer Protection and Access to Justice

This book explores the difficulties faced by vulnerable consumers in accessing justice and highlights the need for a broad understanding of access to justice that includes good regulation and public enforcement. It suggests that new technologies can provide solutions and concludes with a plea for developing inclusive justice systems with more emphasis on public enforcement alongside effective courts systems to offer vulnerable consumers adequate means to defend themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores the challenges faced by vulnerable consumers in their pursuit of justice, drawing upon the insights of esteemed authors from various fields, including academia, practice, and consulting. It vividly illustrates that, despite the advancements in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), access to justice remains severely limited for these marginalized individuals. The book underscores the importance of a holistic understanding of access to justice, encompassing not only traditional private justice mechanisms such as courts and ADR but also robust regulatory frameworks and their effective enforcement. It is recognized that many of the difficulties encountered by vulnerable consumers are rooted in normative barriers and that lack of access to justice itself can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Moreover, the book emphasizes that addressing access to justice is not solely about economic fairness but also about promoting social justice, as it has the potential to exclude already vulnerable consumers from society.

The book dispels the notion that lack of access to justice is irreversible or solely attributed to consumer apathy. It suggests that new technologies can offer innovative solutions to address these challenges. By leveraging technology, individuals can gain greater access to information, resources, and legal assistance, empowering them to navigate the justice system and protect their rights.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and anyone interested in the justice system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the difficulties faced by vulnerable consumers in accessing justice and offers practical solutions to address these issues. By advocating for inclusive justice systems that prioritize public enforcement alongside effective court systems, the book aims to provide the vulnerable with adequate means to defend themselves and promote a more equitable society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367555184