Consumer Law

CB1. Knowledge of philosophy, Portuguese, and history at the high school level (recommended).

CB2. Fundamental concepts of law at the high school level (optional).

Teaching Methods

ME1. Interactive Presentation (Lectures): Theoretical sessions focused on the structured transmission of key principles and concepts, involving targeted questioning and responses to student inquiries.

ME2. Analysis of applicable positive law: analysis of current consumer protection legislation.

ME3. Practical case-based learning: resolution of cases designed around real-life situations, including those that have been the subject of judicial decisions.

ME4. Learning through the analysis of judicial rulings: analysis of decisions by higher courts concerning matters covered in the syllabus.

a) Learning objectives

Upon completion of this course unit, the student will be able to:

OA1. Master the fundamental concepts inherent to legal matters related to consumer protection, as well as the corresponding legal framework.

OA2. Understand the key doctrinal and jurisprudential issues arising in a socio-economic area that is highly relevant to citizens’ daily lives.

OA3. Precisely distinguish the various legal concepts and mechanisms that collectively constitute this area of ​​law.

OA4. Easily identify the applicable legislation for any specific situation within a context of somewhat fragmented regulations.

b) Associated skills:

CD1. Mastery of the fundamental principles of Consumer Law.

CD2. Ability to identify, interpret, and apply legal rules to specific situations, navigating the interplay between questions of fact and questions of law.

CD3. Capacity to research doctrinal and jurisprudential information related to the course syllabus.

CD4. Oral and written proficiency demonstrating structured and well-grounded legal reasoning regarding the subject area in question.

P1. Fundamental elements of Introduction to Law, General Theory of Civil Law, and Law of Obligations.

P2. General framework.

2.1. Subject matter and foundations of Consumer Law.

2.1. The concept of “Consumer”: subjective, objective, teleological, and relational elements.

P3. General legal framework for consumer protection.

3.1. Right to quality of goods and services.

3.2. Right to protection of health and physical safety.

3.3. General product safety and strict producer liability.

3.4. Right to consumer education and awareness.

3.5. Right to information.

3.6. Right to protection of economic interests.

3.7. Right to prevention and reparation of pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.

3.8. Right to legal protection and to accessible, prompt justice.

3.9. Right to representative participation.

3.10. Complaints book.

P4. Consumer contracts.

4.1. Definition.

4.2. Form and formation.

4.3. Price indication.

4.4. Commercial practices involving price reductions.

4.5. Advertising.

4.6. Unfair commercial practices.

P4. Content.

4.1. General contract terms.

4.2. Loyalty period.

P5. Performance.

5.1. Good faith.

5.2. Price.

5.3. Place and time.

5.4. Conformity.

P6. Termination – the right of withdrawal.

6.1. General aspects.

6.2. Definition and elements.

6.3. Foundations and nature.

P7. Specific consumer contracts.

7.1. Distance contracts and off-premises contracts.

7.2. Automated sales.

7.3. Sales of consumer goods.

7.4. Essential public services.

7.5. Consumer credit.

Assessment Methods

Students may choose one of two assessment schemes:

A) CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT:

● MA1. Mid-semester assessment (50%): Reference materials (legislation) allowed. Minimum score of 8 points. Mandatory.

● MA2. Assessment test held on the regular exam date (50%): Reference materials (legislation) allowed. Minimum score of 8 points. Mandatory.

● AI Guideline: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not permitted.

● Final Grade Formula:

CF = 0.50 x MA1 + 0.5 x MA2

B) EXAM-BASED ASSESSMENT (Regular/Resit/Special Exam Periods):

● MA3. Individual Written Exam: any syllabus topic covered in class may be subject to assessment.

Attendance policy: there is no specified maximum number of absences or minimum attendance requirement.

NAO