It is hereby generally recognized that courses of postsecondary instruction, whether given in residence, by mail, or electronically online, result in substantial benefits for students pursuing such courses, provided that such courses are designed and administered in accordance with recognized educational standards and practices. It is also recognized that persons taking such courses and postsecondary institutions offering such courses should be afforded additional protection under the laws of this state. It is the purpose of this chapter to supplement the general law of fraud of this state so as to provide for students, postsecondary institutions, and the general public such added protection.
Ala. Code § 16-46-2 (1975)