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Caveat venditor

Maxim
Contract
Literal meaningLet the seller beware
PronunciationKAV-ee-at ven-DI-tor

The seller is responsible for the quality and safety of what he sells. Modern consumer law has pushed the law from buyer beware to seller beware.

Example

A company sells a food product that is unsafe. The company must compensate the consumers.

Case laws
  • Donoghue v. Stevenson (1932), House of Lords: a manufacturer owes a duty of care to the final consumer.
Statutory link

Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Chapter VI deals with product liability.

Exam tip

Asked as the modern contrast to caveat emptor.

Memory trick

Seller guards the goods.

Key takeaway

Modern consumer law makes the seller answerable for his goods.

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