This book charts the difficulties encountered by vulnerable consumers in
their access to justice, through the contributions of prominent authors
(academic, practitioners and consultants) in the field of consumer law
and access to justice.
It demonstrates that despite the development of ADR, access to justice
is still severely lacking for the vulnerable consumer. The book
highlights that a broad understanding of access to justice, which
encompasses good regulation and its public enforcement, is an essential
ingredient alongside access to the mechanisms of traditional private
justice (courts and ADR) to protect the vulnerable consumer. Indeed,
many of the difficulties are linked to normative obstacles and lack of
access to justice is primarily a vulnerability in itself that can
exacerbate existing ones. In addition, because it may contribute to
'pushing' already vulnerable consumers into social exclusion it is not
simply about economic justice but also about social justice.
The book shows that lack of access to justice is not irreversible nor is
it necessarily linked to consumer apathy. New technologies could provide
solutions. The book concludes with a plea for developing 'inclusive'
justice systems with more emphasis on public enforcement alongside
effective courts systems to offer the vulnerable with adequate means to
defend themselves.
This book will be suitable for both students and practitioners, and all
those with an interest in the justice system.
