The federal antitrust laws require our enforcement agencies to play two major roles. The first of these roles is that of the prosecutor, who is directed to prevent trade restraints. The second is that of the administrator, who is authorized to regulate trade practices. The objective of the former is to ensure the existence of competition by prohibiting restrictive contracts, conspiracies, and monopolies. The purpose of the second is to provide for the fairness of this competition through affirmative as well as negative directives designed to protect the small businessman, the uninformed consumer, and the general public.
