S. Consumer Protection Law & Policy

For more than a century, consumer protection law has served as a frontline defense against economic practices that exploit, deceive, and destabilize households. With broad tools to challenge emerging forms of harm, it has shaped everything from credit markets to privacy to gig work, and continues to define the boundaries of fair play in the modern economy. This seminar traces the development of American consumer protection law from its early roots to today’s debates over artificial intelligence, social media regulation, discriminatory lending, and more. Students will examine landmark cases, participate in simulations of rulemaking and motion practice, and analyze how consumer protection tools shape virtually every market in our economy. The course will emphasize not only the legal standards but also how they have been applied by leading state and federal agencies, with senior regulators invited to share their experiences. Special attention will be given to the evolving role of “unfairness,” and to the ongoing debate over whether markets should be governed by standards of fair dealing or by the presumption that consumers can reliably fend for themselves if given accurate information.