Consumer Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is aimed to provide students with the following skills
- knowledge and understanding in the field of study. The student will acquire a specific knowledge of consumer law and ability to understand the general principles underlying it;
- ability to interpret the rules of the Civil Code, the Consumer Code and European legislation;
- ability to analyze the principles and rules studied and to apply this knowledge to specific cases;
- ability to express the knowledge acquired with appropriate legal language and coherent argumentation;
Students are requested to develop those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.
- knowledge and understanding in the field of study. The student will acquire a specific knowledge of consumer law and ability to understand the general principles underlying it;
- ability to interpret the rules of the Civil Code, the Consumer Code and European legislation;
- ability to analyze the principles and rules studied and to apply this knowledge to specific cases;
- ability to express the knowledge acquired with appropriate legal language and coherent argumentation;
Students are requested to develop those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students who have successfully learned the subject matter will have a thorough knowledge of the course topics, with the acquisition of a method of reasoning suitable for dealing with more specific and complex legal issues in relation to the topics covered by the course.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course focuses on the legal framework for consumer protection within the Italian legal system, exploring the variety of its sources. It aims to provide an in-depth analysis of consumer protection policies in both Europe and Italy, with a view to promoting a truly competitive market—an objective considered essential for the realization of fundamental human rights.
By referring to the core principles underpinning consumer protection, the course will examine, from a diachronic perspective, the legal instruments aimed at achieving these goals. Special attention will be given to the origins and normative evolution of European and Italian consumer law; to the regulation of competition as a "public good"; to rules on commercial advertising and accurate information; to unfair commercial practices; to provisions regarding product safety, quality, and conformity; to liability for damage caused by defective products; to consumer credit and the issue of over-indebtedness; to standard-form contracts, sales, and other contracts relevant to consumers; to financial services; to relations with public administrations; to remedies and access to justice, both individual and collective; to alternative dispute resolution (ADR); and to the role of the antitrust authority, consumer associations, chambers of commerce, and mediation bodies.
The course will also examine the position of consumers/users with respect to the use of digital platforms and online commerce, as well as in light of developments in artificial intelligence. Particular emphasis will also be placed on illustrating the crucial role of consumers in environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
By referring to the core principles underpinning consumer protection, the course will examine, from a diachronic perspective, the legal instruments aimed at achieving these goals. Special attention will be given to the origins and normative evolution of European and Italian consumer law; to the regulation of competition as a "public good"; to rules on commercial advertising and accurate information; to unfair commercial practices; to provisions regarding product safety, quality, and conformity; to liability for damage caused by defective products; to consumer credit and the issue of over-indebtedness; to standard-form contracts, sales, and other contracts relevant to consumers; to financial services; to relations with public administrations; to remedies and access to justice, both individual and collective; to alternative dispute resolution (ADR); and to the role of the antitrust authority, consumer associations, chambers of commerce, and mediation bodies.
The course will also examine the position of consumers/users with respect to the use of digital platforms and online commerce, as well as in light of developments in artificial intelligence. Particular emphasis will also be placed on illustrating the crucial role of consumers in environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
Prerequisites for admission
It is recommended to have already taken the Institutions of Private Law I and Institutions of Private Law II exams to study the subject.
Teaching methods
The Consumer and Consumer Law course consists of 42 hours of face-to-face teaching under the responsibility of the Course Lecturer.
Seminars and practical exercises will also be conducted, with the direct involvement of students, to explore specific topics covered in the course through the examination of cases drawn from case law and decisions of the AGCM and ABF.
Seminars and practical exercises will also be conducted, with the direct involvement of students, to explore specific topics covered in the course through the examination of cases drawn from case law and decisions of the AGCM and ABF.
Teaching Resources
M. Rabitti - L. Rossi Carleo (a cura di), Diritto dei consumi. Principi e regole del mercato, Torino, 2024 (pagine 336);
or, alternatively
A.Barenghi, Diritto dei consumatori, Padova, 2024 (pagine 784)
or, alternatively
A.Barenghi, Diritto dei consumatori, Padova, 2024 (pagine 784)
Assessment methods and Criteria
For frequent attendees, in lieu of the oral examination, there is the possibility of writing a paper (the contents of which must be set out in the classroom) dealing with some of the topics of the program, to be treated in depth on the basis of the material indicated by the lecturer. with reference to specific issues.
Professor(s)