More than a mollusc — a symbol of justice, resilience, and Scottish lore.
The snail represents the beginning of modern consumer protection. Without him, negligence law would look very different today.
The Paisley Snail has become a folk hero — a symbol of the small, the overlooked, and the unexpectedly powerful.
The story is memorable, accessible, and perfect for teaching:
• duty of care
• fairness
• responsibility
• the impact of ordinary lives on legal history
“Write a short paragraph from the snail’s point of view. What did he think of becoming famous?”