Sherman Antitrust Case

The Sherman Antitrust Act, passed in 1890, is a U.S. law that aims to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies. A landmark case involved Standard Oil, which was accused of using unfair practices to dominate the oil market. In 1911, the Supreme Court ruled that Standard Oil's monopoly was illegal and ordered its breakup into smaller companies. This case set a precedent for regulating anti-competitive behavior, ensuring that no single company could control an entire market, thus supporting consumer choice and fair pricing. It remains foundational in U.S. antitrust law today.