Competition and Monopoly: Single-Firm Conduct Under Section 2 of the Sherman Act : Chapter 1
Monopolies are legal - the justice department says so. Just show this document to students and have them interpret the language in Chapter 1 concerning "The Anticompetitive-Conduct Requirement". Then try to explain to them how it is possible for so many lazy teachers across the country teach their students that monopolies are illegal.
Section 2 prohibits acquiring or maintaining (and in some cases attempting
to acquire) monopoly power only through improper means.<a href="#N_36_"><sup>(36)</sup></a>
As long as a firm utilizes only lawful means, it is free to strive for
competitive success and reap the benefits of whatever market position
(including monopoly) that success brings, including charging whatever
price the market will bear. Prohibiting the mere possession of monopoly
power is inconsistent with harnessing the competitive process to achieve
economic growth.
Another great way to teach critical thinking is to show students how they are lazily taught that monopolies are illegal. Have them take this paragraph from a Justice Department report and justify how it can permit monopolies. This could be a simple ten minute thought exercise at the start of class