The class action concept is misdirected and does not meet the overriding need of establishing a workable method to prevent frauds and deceptions. At best, class actions are only remedial to the consumer. At worst, they are a deceptive promise of prevention which the consumer is unlikely to see fulfilled. This is especially true of the low-income consumer who is the typical prey of unscrupulous operators, particularly in inner-city areas.
“Chamber of Commerce Statement on Consumer Protection and Class Action Bills before the Consumer Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee,” by William B. Norris. Chamber of Commerce Public Presentations, Papers of Chamber of Commerce, Series II, Box 2, Hagley Museum. (S. 2246, S. 3092, S. 3201 (all amendments to the Federal Trade Commission Act).
