LAW7258

Consumer protection, self regulation and corporate compliance ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Bronwyn Naylor

Offered:
City First semester 2005 (On-campus)

Synopsis: Students will examine state and federal legislative consumer protection mechanisms; the development, operation and monitoring of self-regulatory and industry-based mechanisms (eg licence and contract conditions, Codes of Practice, Customer/Service Charters and Standards); the role of industry regulators; new avenues of dispute resolution (eg industry-based Ombudsman schemes and mediation); compliance, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms; the influence of, and importance of achieveing compliance with, global consumer protection - including privacy - obligations; and specific issues raised by the new information technologies.

Objectives: Upon completion of this subject students will have (1) an understanding of the existing mechanisms for consumer protection in Australia; (2) an understanding of the implications of corporatisation and privatisation, and of the new methods of regulation for consumers; (3) an understanding of, and ability to evaluate, the options for protecting consumer interests and of monitoring compliance when formulating a regulatory framework; (4) an understanding of likely trends in consumer protection; and (5) enhanced research skills as a result of undertaking a substantial piece of writing.

Assessment: Research assignment (5000 words): 70% + Take home examination: 30% OR research assignment (7500 words): 100%

Contact Hours: One 2-hour seminar per week