If there was a conspiracy to fix prices, but the conspiracy did not succeed, the government can still take the conspiring firm to court for improper conduct. This situation would be an example of

A) the rule of reason.
B) a cease-and-desist order.
C) a per se violation.
D) tying contracts.

Per Se Violation

A violation that is inherently illegal, without need for further examination of its effects or intentions, especially in antitrust law.

Conspiracy

An agreement between two or more parties to commit an unlawful act or to use unlawful means to achieve an otherwise lawful end.

Rule of Reason

A legal doctrine used in antitrust law to determine if a business practice is anticompetitive, considering the practice's purpose, effect, and market context.