Richard Gibbs' new book "A Practical Guide to Criminal & Regulatory Proceedings in Consumer Protection Matters" aims to explain how the law has developed to the point it is now at and sets out how this is now enforced in English courts. Both sides of the civil and criminal landscape are examined as is the way in which the regulations are applied to traders and consumers.
The law in this area is complex, having developed from European law but now being clearly defined in English law. The growth of the consumer movement means that this area of practice is likely to continue its growth with Local Authorities being keen to focus their resources on such prosecutions.
The book looks at the powers of investigation which are created by the various pieces of Consumer focused legislation as well as the criminal offences which arise. It also explores the steps in case preparation which lawyers are advised to follow especially given some of the legal presumptions which apply in these type of cases and seeks to map out how these cases should be considered differently to the mainstream of criminal offences before both the Magistrates' and Crown Courts.