Professionals and consumer in the liquid society: From status to states, or from Diocletian to Bauman

Abstract

The essay critically analyses the consolidated orientation of the Court of Cassation according to which the consumer legislation is not applicable to professionals who make a contract for the purchase of goods and services that they will use to work. For example, lawyers do not only stipulate mandates or make consultancy contracts with their clients, but also make all the contracts that are necessary or useful for the fulfillment of their professional practice; these acts may include the purchase of legal texts and professional indemnity insurance, or the supply of cleaning, electricity, gas and telephone services for their legal firms.