This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.
Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1, Per Se Violation Tying Agreement — Defense Of Justification In the legal realm, Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 addresses the concept of Per Se Violation Tying Agreement and the potential defense of justification that can be raised in such cases. This instruction provides guidance to juries when deliberating on cases involving tying agreements, which are considered anticompetitive practices. A tying agreement, in this context, refers to a situation where a seller imposes a condition on the buyer, mandating the purchase of a second product or service along with the desired product. This condition restricts the buyer's freedom of choice and can harm competition in the marketplace. Section 1 of Instruction 3.3.2 specifically focuses on per se violations, meaning that the agreement is inherently illegal without requiring an analysis of its potential pro-competitive justifications. However, the defense of justification can be raised to challenge the claim of per se violation in a tying agreement case. The defense of justification argues that even though the agreement appears anticompetitive on the surface, it can be justified by legitimate business reasons that outweigh any potential harm to competition. It is essential to note that different types of tying agreement cases may arise, and Jury Instruction 3.3.2 Section 1 caters to these variations. Some possible types of tying agreement cases that come under this instruction include: 1. Product Tying: This type of tying agreement involves a seller mandating the purchase of a second product as a condition for obtaining the desired product. For example, a software company requiring customers to purchase an additional software package to access a specific feature. 2. Service Tying: In service tying cases, a seller imposes a condition on the buyer, compelling the purchase of an additional service as a prerequisite for availing the desired service. For instance, a telecommunications' provider requiring customers to subscribe to an internet service to qualify for a cable TV package. 3. Full Line Forcing: This type of tying agreement involves a seller demanding the buyer's commitment to purchase an entire line of products or services instead of allowing them to select individual items. For example, a franchisor forcing franchisees to carry the entire range of their products, even if some items may not be in demand. 4. Single Product Bundling: In single product bundling cases, a seller combines different features or components of a product into a single package and restricts consumers from purchasing individual elements separately. Such agreements can limit consumer choice and potentially harm competition. When deliberating on a tying agreement case, jurors should carefully consider the evidence presented, weigh the potential anticompetitive effects, and assess whether the defense of justification holds merit. The ultimate goal is to determine whether the tying agreement resulted in an unlawful per se violation or if legitimate business justifications can sufficiently justify the anticompetitive behavior. In conclusion, Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 provides comprehensive guidance for juries dealing with tying agreement cases and the possibility of a defense of justification. It ensures a fair and informed assessment of the alleged per se violations, considering the specific details and circumstances of each case.
Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1, Per Se Violation Tying Agreement — Defense Of Justification In the legal realm, Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 addresses the concept of Per Se Violation Tying Agreement and the potential defense of justification that can be raised in such cases. This instruction provides guidance to juries when deliberating on cases involving tying agreements, which are considered anticompetitive practices. A tying agreement, in this context, refers to a situation where a seller imposes a condition on the buyer, mandating the purchase of a second product or service along with the desired product. This condition restricts the buyer's freedom of choice and can harm competition in the marketplace. Section 1 of Instruction 3.3.2 specifically focuses on per se violations, meaning that the agreement is inherently illegal without requiring an analysis of its potential pro-competitive justifications. However, the defense of justification can be raised to challenge the claim of per se violation in a tying agreement case. The defense of justification argues that even though the agreement appears anticompetitive on the surface, it can be justified by legitimate business reasons that outweigh any potential harm to competition. It is essential to note that different types of tying agreement cases may arise, and Jury Instruction 3.3.2 Section 1 caters to these variations. Some possible types of tying agreement cases that come under this instruction include: 1. Product Tying: This type of tying agreement involves a seller mandating the purchase of a second product as a condition for obtaining the desired product. For example, a software company requiring customers to purchase an additional software package to access a specific feature. 2. Service Tying: In service tying cases, a seller imposes a condition on the buyer, compelling the purchase of an additional service as a prerequisite for availing the desired service. For instance, a telecommunications' provider requiring customers to subscribe to an internet service to qualify for a cable TV package. 3. Full Line Forcing: This type of tying agreement involves a seller demanding the buyer's commitment to purchase an entire line of products or services instead of allowing them to select individual items. For example, a franchisor forcing franchisees to carry the entire range of their products, even if some items may not be in demand. 4. Single Product Bundling: In single product bundling cases, a seller combines different features or components of a product into a single package and restricts consumers from purchasing individual elements separately. Such agreements can limit consumer choice and potentially harm competition. When deliberating on a tying agreement case, jurors should carefully consider the evidence presented, weigh the potential anticompetitive effects, and assess whether the defense of justification holds merit. The ultimate goal is to determine whether the tying agreement resulted in an unlawful per se violation or if legitimate business justifications can sufficiently justify the anticompetitive behavior. In conclusion, Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 provides comprehensive guidance for juries dealing with tying agreement cases and the possibility of a defense of justification. It ensures a fair and informed assessment of the alleged per se violations, considering the specific details and circumstances of each case.