Consumer Law

Great Article On Pete Barry Who Sues Debt Collectors

By M. Stan Herring

Pete Barry is a friend of ours and we were thrilled to see a long story written about him recently. We suggest if you have any interest in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and debt collectors, read this story. Actually, even if you are not interested, read this story anyway - its a fascinating story of his life and practice.

Here is one excerpt related to plans by the collection industry to take away consumer's rights to go to court:

Then he explodes: "That is the most preposterous thing I've ever heard!" he says, almost at a loss for words. "The notion that a sector of this economy that creates more consumer complaints than any other business sector in the country thinks that it can self-regulate and thinks that it should shut the courthouse doors for all consumers? To privatize the court system? It's the most preposterous, far-fetched, stupid idea I've ever heard in my life!"

Still hunched on his couch, Barry is speaking?shouting, really?as if he were standing before an angry mob itching for bloody revenge.

"The collection industry is now seeking to rewrite the constitution? To strip us of our right to have a case or controversy? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard! But it's totally consistent with the lawlessness with which this industry rules itself. They think they're above the law. They think they've got the solution for you and me: They're going to set up a private court system that will allow them to remove from the public eye their misconduct."

Enjoy the fine article by Jonathan Kaminsky....

Full post as published by Alabama Consumer Blog on June 05, 2008 (boomark / email).