Columbia Sc Suits

The Supreme Court on Monday gave local government officials broad immunity from antitrust lawsuits, even when they conspire to protect a business monopoly. The 6-3 decision means that excluded competitors cannot use federal antitrust laws to challenge decisions made by a city or county. So long as local officials are exercising a legal power conferred by the state, they are shielded from liability, the court said. The ruling, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, frees the city of Columbia, S.C.

The Supreme Court on Monday gave local government officials broad immunity from antitrust lawsuits, even when they conspire to protect a business monopoly. The 6-3 decision means that excluded competitors cannot use federal antitrust laws to challenge decisions made by a city or county. So long as local officials are exercising a legal power conferred by the state, they are shielded from liability, the court said. The ruling, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, frees the city of Columbia, S.C.