The Misrepresentation Act 1967: Its Historical Origins and Socio-Political Context

Abstract

The creation of the Misrepresentation Act 1967 was the result of work by an expert group of academic lawyers and senior judges. An examination the files in the National Archive of the Lord Chancellor’s Office and other related papers revealed what they did, and why, and the various conflicting pressures on them. In this they were largely supported by the eminent members of the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. The legislation was aimed at ensuring justice and fairness for those that bought goods and services and was grounded in the socio-economic changes in post-war Britain. A number of academic lawyers have heavily criticised the legislation. Nevertheless, the legislation has remained almost unchanged, and has endured for over fifty years and has embedded itself in the societal consciousness.

Keywords: Lord Chancellor’s Office Papers, development of contract law, origins of Misrepresentation Act 1967, commercial and consumer law, socio-legal and political context

JEL Classification: K12