Consumer AffairsRepresentation of Consumers

Section § 320

Explanation

This law allows the director or the Attorney General to get involved in court cases or actions before any state or federal agency if they think the outcome could significantly impact consumers in California. Their role is to stand up for consumer interests and they can provide necessary evidence and arguments to support this cause.

Whenever there is pending before any state commission, regulatory agency, department, or other state agency, or any state or federal court or agency, any matter or proceeding which the director finds may affect substantially the interests of consumers within California, the director, or the Attorney General, may intervene in such matter or proceeding in any appropriate manner to represent the interests of consumers. The director, or any officer or employee designated by the director for that purpose, or the Attorney General, may thereafter present to such agency, court, or department, in conformity with the rules of practice and procedure thereof, such evidence and argument as he shall determine to be necessary, for the effective protection of the interests of consumers.
consumer interests state commission intervention regulatory agency cases ...

Section § 321

Explanation

This law gives the director or Attorney General the power to take legal action if they believe any person is harming, or might harm, consumers by violating state or federal laws. They can seek to stop the harmful actions and pursue other remedies to protect consumers.

Whenever it appears to the director that the interests of the consumers of this state are being damaged, or may be damaged, by any person who engaged in, or intends to engage in, any acts or practices in violation of any law of this state, or any federal law, the director or any officer or employee designated by the director, or the Attorney General, may commence legal proceedings in the appropriate forum to enjoin such acts or practices and may seek other appropriate relief on behalf of such consumers.
consumer protection legal proceedings enjoin acts ...