United States v. E.C. Knight Co.
United States Supreme Court
156 U.S. 1 (1895)
Relevant factsFree
Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890 to combat monopolies and restraints of trade. In 1892, the American Sugar Refining Company acquired E.C. Knight Company (defendant) and several other sugar manufacturers through stock purchases, gaining a 98 percent monopoly over American sugar refining. The government (plaintiff) sued to unwind the acquisition under the Sherman Act's anti-monopoly provisions.
IssueFree
Whether Congress may use its general powers under the Commerce Clause to regulate manufacturing.