Complementary Course to Consumer Law

The course deals with the protection of consumers regulation in the Italian legal system. It aims to offer an in-depth reconstruction of consumer protection policies in Europe and in Italy, with a view to pursuing an effectively competitive market, an objective which is attributed a fundamental role in the realization of fundamental human rights. Through the reference to the principles that form the basis of consumer protection, the legal instruments aimed at achieving these goals will then be analyzed in a diachronic perspective. Particular attention will therefore be devoted to the origins and regulatory evolution of European and Italian law in relation to consumer rights; to the regulation of competition as a "public good"; the rules on commercial advertising and correct information; to unfair commercial practices; the provisions on product safety, quality and conformity; to liability for damage from defective products; consumer credit and the phenomenon of over-indebtedness, mass contracts, sales and other relevant contracts for consumers, financial services, relations with public administrations, remedies and access to justice on an individual basis and collective; alternative dispute resolution (ADR); the role of the antitrust Authority, consumer associations, chambers of commerce and conciliation.