New Mexico Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1, Per Se Violation Conspiracy To Fix Prices — Includes Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction, is a set of legal guidelines provided to jurors during a trial involving a case related to a violation of antitrust laws, specifically a conspiracy to fix prices. This instruction aims to clarify the legal standards, burdens of proof, and considerations required when determining whether the defendants engaged in an illegal price-fixing scheme. The key purpose of New Mexico Jury Instruction 3.3.1 Section 1 is to educate the jurors about the applicable legal principles and the specific elements that must be proven by the prosecution to establish a per se violation. In the context of this instruction, a per se violation refers to a situation where the alleged price-fixing conspiracy is considered inherently illegal and anti-competitive, regardless of its actual impact on the market or consumer welfare. However, this instruction also includes an alternative rule of reason instruction. The rule of reason test is an alternative legal standard applied in antitrust cases, which requires the jury to evaluate and balance the competitive benefits and potential anti-competitive harm caused by the alleged price-fixing conspiracy. It considers factors such as market power, business justifications, and efficiency gains. The purpose of including an alternative rule of reason instruction is to provide the jurors with another legal framework to assess the alleged price-fixing conduct. The instruction typically outlines the specific criteria that need to be met to establish a violation under the rule of reason analysis. In summary, the New Mexico Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1, Per Se Violation Conspiracy To Fix Prices — Includes Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction provides detailed guidance to jurors on evaluating price-fixing conspiracies. It explains the elements required to establish a per se violation and also offers an alternative rule of reason instruction for considering the anti-competitive effects and justifications of the alleged conduct. This instruction ensures that jurors have a comprehensive understanding of the legal standards applicable to the case, allowing them to make a fair and informed decision.