Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (15 U.S.C. §§ 1–7)

2) Why It Was Done
The Sherman Act was passed to combat the growing power of monopolies and trusts in the late 19th century, ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers from price-fixing and market domination.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before 1890, there was no comprehensive federal competition law. States had some common law remedies, but national markets required federal regulation.