California Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1, Per Se Violation Conspiracy To Fix Prices — Includes Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction is a legal guideline that provides detailed explanations and guidelines for the jury members in a court case involving the allegation of a conspiracy to fix prices. This instruction helps the jury understand the legal elements and determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The instruction consists of two main parts — the Per Se Violation and the Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction. When determining if a conspiracy to fix prices has occurred, the jury must consider whether the defendant's actions fall under the category of per se violation or the alternative rule of reason. Per Se Violation: Under the per se violation, the jury is instructed to find the defendant guilty if they find that the defendant participated in an agreement or understanding with other competitors to fix prices. It is important to note that under this instruction, the jury is not required to consider the specific effects or justifications but rather focus on the existence of the agreement itself. If the jury finds that such an agreement exists, they must conclude that it is a per se violation. Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction: Alternatively, the jury may consider the alternative rule of reason instruction. Under this instruction, the jury must evaluate whether the evidence presented proves that the defendant participated in an agreement to fix prices after considering a variety of factors. The jury must assess the reasonableness and potential anti-competitive effects of the agreement. This evaluation involves determining if the potential benefits or justifications for the agreement outweigh any adverse consequences in terms of competition. The purpose of including the alternative rule of reason instruction is to give the jury the option to consider all relevant factors before reaching a verdict. It allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence presented during the trial. In summary, California Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1, Per Se Violation Conspiracy To Fix Prices — Includes Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction provides clear guidelines to the jury about the legal elements to be considered in a case involving a conspiracy to fix prices. It helps them understand the distinctions between per se violation and alternative rule of reason and assists in reaching a fair and just verdict.