Abstract

This article discusses the Brazilian experience with collective moral damages, based on collective actions for consumer protection filed in the state of Rio de Janeiro, by examining the phenomenon of lucrative illegality, the case study of Dieselgate, and the challenges related to its quantification. The doctrinal discussion of the nature and function of these collective moral damages provides the opportunity for a comparative reflection for a Latin American audience, as an instrument for punishment, retribution, and deterrence, not only for the purpose of compensation for social damages. In terms of the potential functions of civil liability, the Brazilian experience with collective moral damages is shaped by a dispute of perspectives between multi-functionalists and uni-functionalists that influences mass torts litigation and consumer protection.

Keywords

Collective Moral Damages Mass Torts Class Actions Lucrative Illegality Dieselgate Consumer Protection