Law Commons^™

Perspectives On State And Federal Antitrust Enforcement, Stephen Calkins

Duke Law Journal

This Article reviews federal and (especially) state antitrust enforcement in light of the Microsoft proceeding. Criticism of state enforcement based on that case is misplaced. The Article identifies three consensus comparative advantages of state enforcers: familiarity with local and regional markets, closeness to state and local institutions, and ability and experience in compensating individuals. A review of state enforcement activities finds that the vast majority are consistent with one or more of these advantages. The Article also identifies hallmarks of generally accepted federal civil non-merger enforcement: both antitrust agencies participate actively, using a variety of tools, while showing support for …