Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1, Per Se Violation Conspiracy To Fix Prices — Includes Alternative Rule of Reason Instruction, is a legal instruction provided to the jury in Maricopa, Arizona, to help them better understand the concept of per se violation conspiracy to fix prices, along with an alternative instruction known as the rule of reason. In cases involving allegations of price fixing, which is an anticompetitive practice where competitors agree to set and maintain prices at a certain level, this jury instruction becomes relevant. It focuses on the concept of a per se violation, where certain actions or agreements are automatically considered illegal, without the need for extensive analysis or evidence of harm to competition. The purpose of the instruction is to educate the jury about the legal framework surrounding price-fixing conspiracies. It lays out the elements the prosecution must prove to establish a per se violation, including the existence of an agreement, concerted action, or understanding among competitors to fix prices. The instruction helps the jurors understand that if the prosecution successfully proves these elements, the defendants can be found guilty without further examination of the impacts or justifications. However, the Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1 also includes an alternative rule of reason instruction. The rule of reason is an analytical framework used to assess antitrust violations that necessitates a more detailed analysis of the impact on competition and other economic factors. The instruction informs the jury that if they are not convinced of a per se violation, they should consider the rule of reason approach. This alternative rule guides them to weigh the pro-competitive and anti-competitive effects of the alleged price-fixing agreement before making a determination. By providing both the per se violation and rule of reason instructions, the Maricopa Arizona Jury Instruction — 3.3.1 Section 1 aims to equip the jury with a comprehensive understanding of the legal standards in price-fixing conspiracy cases. It ensures that the jury has the necessary knowledge to evaluate the evidence presented and reach a fair and informed verdict based on the established legal principles.