[USMA:30364] Status of the pound

[MightyChimp]

Chris,   What is the status of the pound in the UK as far as trade is concerned?   If I go into a shop and ask for a pound of cheese and the trader deliberately vends me 500 g and I pay and leave without saying a word, did he break any law?  If I get home and notice that I got 500 g and paid for 500 g do I have a case with the Trading Standards Authorities if I expected to get only 454 g?    Since a pound is defined as 454 g one may say yes, I was a victim of a crime, so to speak, but on the other hand if the pound is not a legal unit for trade, does the "official" definition still apply?  Can a trader then use any interpretation he chooses and it is up to the customer to agree or disagree with the amount offered?     I would say the "official" definition is no longer applicable if the unit is no longer legal for trade as is the case in the UK.  What would a lawyer say?  Could you find out from your sources if you don't now for certain yourself?   Thanks   Euric