In the United States, antitrust laws help protect businesses and consumers against the harmful practices of large corporations that could lead to unfair competition. By preventing large companies from using their size and resources to gain an unfair advantage, these laws play a key role in creating a more level playing field.
Local governments in America are generally immune from antitrust laws, meaning they’re not subject to the same competition laws that apply to private businesses. Drexel Heard II, a government relations expert, says this immunity emanates from the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity. This doctrine applies to local governments as well as the federal government.
The purpose of this immunity is to protect local governments from being sued for actions taken in the public interest. This type of immunity allows local governments to take actions that might not be beneficial to individual businesses but good for the public overall.
However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if the local government abuses its power in a way that limits competition or violates antitrust laws, it may be liable for damages. Additionally, local governments may be subject to antitrust laws if they enter into agreements with private entities that limit competition.
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Antitrust litigation
The inability to initiate legal action against local governments has been a source of frustration for many businesses. In recent years, however, this form of immunity has been challenged in the courts. Businesses have sought to compel courts to hold local governments accountable for antitrust violations in certain cases.
To do this, businesses must show that the local government’s action was anti-competitive and caused harm. Drexel Heard II noted that this had been a difficult task, as courts have traditionally been reluctant to interfere with local government’s decisions.
Despite this, businesses have made some progress in challenging local government immunity. For instance, in one case, a federal court ruled that a local government’s decision to grant a monopoly to a cable provider violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. The court ruled that the local government had acted anticompetitively. It concurred that the monopoly had caused harm to the plaintiff.
While this case is an example of progress, businesses still struggle to challenge local government immunity. On the other hand, antitrust litigation is expensive and time-consuming. At the same time, it’s difficult for businesses to prove that a local government’s actions were anti-competitive and caused them harm. As a result, many businesses struggle to take legal action against local governments for antitrust violations.
Heard II stated that governments involved in such litigation should have strong legal representation and carefully consider the cost and benefit of the litigation. Additionally, governments should focus on settlement discussions and consider alternative dispute resolution methods.
About
Drexel Heard II boasts extensive experience in American politics, having worked closely with Republicans and Democrats. Outside of politics, he has served as a creative director. He currently works as a strategic advisor for entertainment, business, and government clients.