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Questions and Answers
The Consumer Union was established in the USA.
The Consumer Union was established in the USA.
True
Which of the following is NOT one of the four consumer rights identified by JFK in 1962?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four consumer rights identified by JFK in 1962?
Which of the following is NOT listed as part of the International Organisation of Consumer Unions' (1987) consumer rights?
Which of the following is NOT listed as part of the International Organisation of Consumer Unions' (1987) consumer rights?
What is the primary role of the regulator in relation to annual price increases for essential services like electricity, gas, and public transport?
What is the primary role of the regulator in relation to annual price increases for essential services like electricity, gas, and public transport?
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What is the significance of the 'right to redress' in consumer protection?
What is the significance of the 'right to redress' in consumer protection?
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Consumer rights ONLY focus on protecting the consumer and do not involve any associated responsibilities.
Consumer rights ONLY focus on protecting the consumer and do not involve any associated responsibilities.
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What is the overarching goal of consumerism?
What is the overarching goal of consumerism?
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Study Notes
Consumer Law ModuleCST 107 - Week 2
- Learning Objectives: Discuss why consumers need protection and Describe/apply the language of consumer rights and responsibilities.
- Recap of Week 1: Focus on the reasons why consumers need protection.
- Consumer Protection Framework: Includes regulation, representation, advice, and enforcement.
Consumer Rights
-
Timeline:
- 1930s: Consumer Union founded in the USA
- 1950s: Consumer Associations formed in Europe
- Government White Papers for national consumer bodies
- National Consumer Council in England
- General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (statutory, independent of government)
-
Consumer Rights: JFK's Speech to Congress (1962) highlighted four consumer rights:
- Safety
- Be informed
- Choice
- Be heard
-
International Organisation of Consumer Unions (1987): Emphasized international consumer rights, including:
- Right to information
- Right to basic services and choice
- Right to representation and protection
- Right to redress
- Right to consumer education
Rights to Information
-
Right to be protected: Against misleading information, advertising, labeling, etc.
- Examples: "nut-free" packaging, odometer readings, energy ratings
- Right to facts: Needed for informed choices/protection
Right to Basic Services and Choice (at Competitive Prices)
- Access to various products and services/competitive prices.
- Government/private monopolies/quality/fair prices
- Examples: Water usage at caravan sites, increases in public transport costs
Choice
- Engine of consumer power: The ability for consumers to discriminate between options and drive competition
- Suppliers must keep products attractive and competitive to ensure consumer investment.
Right to Representation and Protection
- Consumer interests heard in government policymaking.
- Examples: "Reform: Can't Pay/Won't Pay; Fair/Affordable/Sustainable" in consultations.
- Decisions impacting consumers should involve upfront consultation.
Right to Redress
- Compensation for shoddy goods/services/misrepresentation.
- Legal aid/small claims available.
- Correcting errors and getting refunds are covered.
- Examples: Defective merchandise, incorrect charges
Right to Consumer Education
- Consumers gain knowledge & skills throughout lives.
- Examples: Consumer Skills for All, Consumer Proficiency, and Financial Capability/Literacy Strategies
Right to a Healthy Environment
- Right to a high quality of life
- Environment impacts quality of living and well-being for people & future generations.
- Example: Sustainability - responsible consumerism
Consumer Councils' Consumer Rights
- Explanation, Access, Choice, Information, Representation, and Redress are all Consumer Rights categories.
Rights vs Responsibilities
- Consumer rights and responsibilities are equally important.
- Consumers should be aware of both.
- Responsibilities may include: critical awareness, action, social responsibility, ecological responsibility, and solidarity.
- Example: Right to expect safe products/responsibility to ensure product safety.
Legal Protection
- UK has strong consumer laws
- EU Directives affect standards
- EU Directives/Legislation may not always improve consumer rights; sometimes they reduce consumer protection.
- Legislation focuses on competition, less regulation, to improve consumer protection.
Reading Material
- Refer to provided reading materials for detailed analysis. Details for each source, including author, title, and year, are listed.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of consumer protection in this interactive quiz. Delve into the history and rights of consumers as highlighted by key figures and organizations. Understand the framework that supports consumers and their rights within the market.
