Welcome to the official website of the 1st European Conference of the International Association of Consumer law, supported by Girton College, University of Cambridge.
This event will be filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and engaging presentations on some of the most pressing themes and questions in contemporary consumer law and policy. This in-person event will foster connections made at the IACL biennial international conferences and contribute to the nurturing of communities of interest in consumer law, policy and regulation in Europe and beyond.
The conference will also honour the work of Professor Iain Ramsay, a past president and founding member of the International Association of Consumer Law-Association Internationale de droit de la consommation (IACL-AIDC).
On this website you’ll find everything you need for the upcoming conference. The homepage (the page you’re currently on) provides brief overviews to each section of the website. Press the buttons to be taken to that page page which will provide more detail on the relevant topic.
The conference schedule and presentations will be available here, as well as information about the IACL.
Not only that, but there is also information about the conference host, Girton College and the city of Cambridge.
Feel free to reach out via email if you have any inquiries at iacl.aidc.euro2024@gmail.com.
Signed,
IACL 2024 Euro Conference Team
Conference Outline
Conference Themes
The conference will focus on 3 primary themes, listed below. The conference will engage with some of the most pressing themes and questions in contemporary consumer law and policy such as:
– What hazards, risks and opportunities do the markets, products and paradigms of 21st century consumption create? and how should consumer law and policy respond?
– How effectively does consumer law and policy respond to novel — and familiar — manifestations of unfair conduct and practices?
– How do we understand and respond to the persistence of discrimination, inequalities and exploitation in consumer financial markets and digital environments?
– What is the role of law and policy in generating and assuring the sustainability of 21st century consumption?
1. The impact and implications of the digital environments that consumers inhabit.
2. Regulating contemporary consumer financial services
3. Sustainable consumption in the 21st century
Click here the button above ^, for more information, such as the conference schedule, individual presentations, and information on the facilities where presentations will take place.
Special Focus
Celebrating Professor Iain Ramsay
The conference will also be honouring and celebrating the work of Professor Iain Ramsay, whose dedication and passion for advancing consumer empowerment led to many ground-breaking and thought-provoking publications in consumer protection theory, policy and law.
Professor Ramsay is Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Kent and served as President of the IACL from 2001-2007. His current research projects include:
The New ‘Poor Person’s Bankruptcy’: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis, and
The development of consumer law and policy in the UK: Ideas, Actors, Institutions.
Click the button above ^, for more information on Professor Ramsay’s current work and legacy.
About the host, Girton College (University of Cambridge)
Photographs © Girton College, University of Cambridge
Founded in 1869
Girton College came from humble beginnings, starting out in Benslow House, Hitchin, known then as the ‘College for Women’.
The college found its way to Cambridge in 1873 with the new build designed by Alfred Waterhouse. It was inspired by the Assize Courts in Manchester which Emily Davies, one of the principal founders, admired for their design.
The original wing of the college is now aptly called ‘Old Wing’. Girton has since gone through several expansions, with the latest on the main college site being Ash Court Wing which was completed in 2013 designed with a Passivhaus approach.
First residential institution for the higher education of women in the UK
Girton was the first Oxbridge college to admit women. However, it wasn’t until 1947 that the University of Cambridge voted to allow women to be admitted to degrees. Women had already received the right to vote on the same basis as men almost 20 years prior, in 1928.
The first woman to receive a degree from the University of Cambridge was the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900-2002).
154 years of history
Girton has a pioneering history, being home to many ‘firsts’.
In the field of law Girton has educated many notable names. Here’s a short list of some of those Girtonians in the field of law.
- Lady Hale- the first woman to become a UK Supreme Court Justice (previously the House of Lords).
- Lady Higgins– the first woman judge on the International Court of Justice.
- Dame Gloster– the first woman judge on the Commercial Court (a subdivision of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court).
Click the button above ^, for more information on Girton College, including a history of the University of Cambridge, Girton College, and an overview of the study and research of law at the University.
Visiting Cambridge
Where is Girton College?
Girton is located on Huntingdon Road, CB3 1AQ. It is a 15 minute cycle, 40 minute walk, or 10 minute bus ride from the centre of town. It’s a short walking distance from Eddington a new development area.
What is there to do nearby the conference?
Whilst Girton is an active community of scholars, there is much to see and visit around the college whilst you are here. You could visit the College Chapel, explore the expansive grounds and gardens, or take a visit to the local village Girton Village and more!
How do I get into town?
There are regular buses which depart from ‘Girton Corner’ just a short walk from the main entrance of the college. Alternatively you could just walk (for 40 minutes) or book a taxi. To get to town from the College is a simple straight line down Huntingdon Road, it’s that easy!
What is there to do in Cambridge?
Cambridge is a bustling university city with numerous restaurants, museums, colleges, punts and more! There’s a lot to do in town! We’ll provide you with information on some key sights to see and places to visit.
Where is the University of Cambridge?
In short, all around! Cambridge is a collegiate, non-campus university. It’s various departments and buildings are dotted all around the city. For more information on the structure of the university, see ‘About Girton’.
Can I visit other colleges?
Colleges are semi-autonomous, they each determine their visitor policy and any associated costs. Click ‘City and Travel Info’ to find individual college policies and where to visit.
What do you recommend I do?
Cambridge has a few staples which both locals and students enjoy! You could go punting along the college backs on the river cam. You could visit Jack’s Gelato for some great ice cream. Or you could visit one of the 8 University museums!
Click the button above for more information such as, getting to Girton, things to do in central Cambridge, and a map of Girton College.
The International Association of Consumer Law was founded as a bi-lingual association to foster learning and debate on consumer issues and law. It is an association primarily for academics; one that engages with the wider community and has a long tradition of inviting those from that wider community to participate in its conferences.
L’Association Internationale de Droit de la Consommation est née de la volonté de créer des liens en développant une réflexion et des actions de recherche communes sur l’évolution des rapports de consommation et leur formalisation juridique dans différentes régions du monde.
1st European Conference of the International Association of Consumer Law 