Pupils should gain a basic understanding of

• who protects legal rights when goods and services are bought and sold
  
  
• the role of Trading Standards Departments in helping consumers and traders
  
  
• how the justice system helps consumers to exercise their civil rights
  
  
• alternatives to the justice system or other organisations that can help

Begin the lesson by recapping the meanings of the words 'consumer' and 'trader'. Also recap the need for rules when buying and selling and the difference between civil and criminal law.

Discuss with the class how they think Trading Standards can help the Consumer before and after they buy goods and services and try to elicit the words Enforcement, Education and Information

Talk to the class about their legal rights when they buy and goods and services. Look at the most important aspects of the Sale of Goods Act and discuss with the students how they would react if they had a problem in a shop.

Discuss with the students the other types of organisations that they can go to for advice and assistance if they have a consumer problem. What types of advice and information sources exist in their own areas?

Explain what the Court system can offer in the way of help when a problem remains unresolved. Consider the difference between Barristers and Solicitors and discuss the role that they play in the legal system. Discuss the other ways in which consumers can pursue their legal rights.