Cover
Part I: Basis of the Research
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Methodology
A. Comparative Analysis
I. Choice of Legal Systems to be compared
II. Methodology
1. Presumption of Similarity
2. Critique
3. A "Middle Way"
4. Methodology of this Dissertation
B. Economic Analysis
I. 'Classic' Law and Economics: The Chicago School
II. New Institutional Economics
III. Behavioural Economics
IV. Methodology of this Dissertation
1. Consumer Images
2. Consumer Credit
3. Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts
Chapter 3: Comparative Basis

A. United Kingdom
I. Society and Traditions
II. Sources of (Private) Law
1. Common Law and Equity
2. Statutes
3. European Law
B. Germany
I. German Society
II. German Legal Institutions, Drafting and Method
1. Institutions and Drafting Method
2. Interpretation of Norms
3. Access to Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution
III. Comparability
C. Norway
I. Norwegian Society
II. Norwegian Legal Institutions, Drafting and Method
1. Institutions and Drafting Method
2. Scandinavian Legal Realism
3. Interpretation of Norms

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
III. The "Norwegian Model" (EEA-Membership)
1. EFTA
2. EEA
3. Conclusion
IV. Comparability
D. Switzerland
I. Swiss Society
II. Swiss Legal Institutions, Drafting and Method
1. Institutions and Drafting Method
2. Interpretation of Norms
3. Access to Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution
III. The "Swiss Model" (Bilateral Agreements)
1. EFTA
2. Agreements with the European Union
a. Implementation of European Norms
b. Role and Application by the Courts
3. Europeanisation without Membership?
4. Conclusion

IV. Comparability
Part II: Consumer Credit Status Quo
Chapter 4: European Legislation on Consumer Credit
A. Consumer Protection Regulation: Rationale and European Developments
B. Consumer Credit Regulation
I. Rationale behind European Consumer Credit Regulation
II. Legislative Developments
1. Directive 87/102/EEC (The First Consumer Credit Directive)
2. Directive 2008/48/EC (The Second Consumer Credit Directive)
3. Further Directives which affect Consumer Credit Regulation
Chapter 5: Consumer Credit in the United Kingdom
A. General Developments under English Law

I. Common Law
II. Legislative Action
B. Consumer Credit Legislation
I. Consumer Credit Legislation before 1986
1. Early Legislation on Hire-Purchase, Pawnbroking and Moneylending
2. The 'Crowther Report'
3. The Consumer Credit Act 1974
II. Consumer Credit Legislation after 1986
1. Consumer Credit Directives and Consumer Credit Act 2006
2. Other Legislation
3. Adjudication of Consumer Credit Legislation
a. The Courts
b. The Financial Ombudsman Service
4. Practical Effects
III. Consumer Image
IV. Interim Conclusion: Consumer Credit Legislation