Consumer Law (Level 6)

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Convenor and tutor: Stephen Bunbury
• Assessment: an individual or group presentation with 750-word individual briefing sheet (100%)

In this module we introduce you to various types of complaints a consumer may make against suppliers of goods and services. We will consider the civil and criminal law remedies available to consumers. The module is designed to focus on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (which has now been amended by the Consumer Credit Act 2006) and Regulations in relation to online transactions. We will also consider claims for misrepresentation and unfair terms.

Indicative syllabus

• Introduction and overview of contract formation
• The contents of a contract: express terms and the categorisation of terms
• The contents of a contract: implied terms (Consumer Rights Act 2015)
• Product liability
• Misrepresentation and description
• Consumer credit
• Ruined holidays

By the end of this module, you will:

• have an in-depth knowledge of legal issues involved in consumer transactions
• understand contractual law issues arising in consumer contracts
• understand the importance of risk, legal title, description, quality and fitness in consumer contracts
• be able to identify the duties of buyer and seller during consumer transactions involving the sale of goods and consumer credit transactions
• be able to provide critical written advice in relation to remedies available in consumer contracts
• understand the rights of the consumer in contracts for the sale of goods and their connection with supply of services and credit contracts
• understand various criminal offences in relation to consumer transactions
• be able to critically differentiate between criminal and civil liability
• be able to demonstrate legal research skills using authoritative sources.