A Practical Guide to Criminal and Regulatory Proceedings in Consumer Protection Matters

The legal profession is going through a period of unparalleled change necessitated, in part, by the growth in criminalisation of matters which in a previous era may have been dealt with in the civil courts or even by way of commercial resolution. In part this has been fueled by the growth of the consumer movement and its reinforcement by the law, originally stemming from Europe but now very much enshrined in English domestic law. A Practical Guide to Criminal & Regulatory Proceedings in Consumer Protection Matters explains 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 book addresses the powers of investigation which are created by the various pieces of Consumer focused legislation now in force as well as the criminal offences which can arise. It also explores the steps in case preparation which lawyers may be advised to follow especially given some of the legal presumptions which apply in these type of cases. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard Gibbs gained his original degree in Political Science and History at University College Dublin; he converted to law at Birmingham University before reading for the BPTC at the University of Law and then being called to the Bar by The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple where he won the Lawson moot. He is a practicing barrister prosecuting and defending in regulatory and criminal cases across England & Wales. He has a strong interest in non-CPS prosecutions and has extensive experience of defending individuals and companies in matters relating to Trading Standards and Health and Safety offences. In addition to his practice at the Bar, he is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Law lecturing aspiring barristers and solicitors in law and the fundamentals of legal practice. He has been a regular contributor to legal journals since becoming a barrister in 2012. He has appeared on the BBC as a commentator on criminal sentencing and regularly delivers training to police in criminal justice matters. Richard lives with his wife and daughter in Worcestershire.