AI Overview

The book "Australian Consumer Law: Commentary and Materials" is a comprehensive legal resource written by Stephen G. Corones and Philip H. Clarke. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. General Prohibition of Misleading or Deceptive Conduct: The book covers the fundamental prohibition against misleading or deceptive conduct, a cornerstone of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
  2. Specific Protections Against Unfair Practices: It delves into specific protections against unfair practices, including unconscionable conduct and unfair contract terms.
  3. Consumer Guarantees and Product Safety: The book provides detailed coverage of consumer guarantees and product safety, including liability aspects.
  4. Private and Public Remedies: It includes a thorough examination of both private and public remedies available under the ACL, as well as enforcement powers.

Plot Summary

The book is not a narrative but a commentary and materials guide. It is structured to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of all key provisions in the Australian Consumer Law. Each chapter is designed to delve into specific areas of consumer law, making it an essential resource for both students and practitioners in this field.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its thorough revision and update to incorporate new developments in consumer law. Key updates include:

  • Expansion of Unconscionable Conduct Provisions: The protection of ACL’s unconscionable conduct provisions has been expanded to public corporations.
  • Increased Consumer Protection: The monetary threshold for determining who is a “consumer” has been raised to $100,000, providing increased protection for consumers and businesses.
  • Implementation of Recommendations: The book reflects the implementation of key recommendations from the 2017 Australian Consumer Law Review, including higher maximum penalties for contraventions and wider powers for the ACCC to obtain information.
  • Landmark Cases: It includes detailed analysis of landmark new cases such as Gill v Ethicon, ACCC v Fuji Xerox, Moore v Scenic Tours, ACCC v Employsure, Vautin v BY Winddown Inc, and Capic v Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Ltd.

The book is widely regarded as an essential resource for anyone involved in Australian consumer law, given its comprehensive coverage and expert commentary.