Jahrbuch des Offentlichen Rechts der Gegenwart (Neue Folge)

Abstract

most embarrassing and are most felt as objectionable. In fact, interesting comparisons are made with the laws of the United States, West Germany and Switzerland, and contributions are made by speakers from outside France. They tend to show mainly that the French law is the most stringent on the manufacturer, denying effect to exoneration clauses and admitting liability without any proof of fault, through a presumption practically irrebuttable. Consumer protection is by no means the sole purpose of law. These French jurists are indeed concerned by the drawbacks of this total commitment of the Cour de Cassation to consumer protection, notably the additional cost that results for manufacturers and impairs the competitiveness of French products abroad. The book also contains sections on the liability insurance of manufacturers and on the penal law applicable to them. It includes two drafts by the European Council of an international convention on the matter.