reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 6-36-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-2 - Purpose - Rules of construction.

§ 6-36-2. Purpose — Rules of construction.(a) The purposes of this chapter are:(1) To complement the laws of the United States governing monopolistic and restrictive trade practices; and(2) To promote the unhampered growth of commerce and industry throughout the state by prohibiting unreasonable restraints of trade and monopolistic practices, inasmuch as these have the effect of hampering, preventing, or decreasing competition. It is intended, that as a result, the prices of goods and services to consumers will be fairly determined by free-market competition in activities affecting trade or commerce in this state, including the manufacturing, distribution, financing, and service sectors of the economy, except as otherwise provided by the statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions of this state. The general assembly intends to fully exercise its power to affect and regulate commerce in order to effectuate the purpose of this chapter.(b) This chapter shall be construed in harmony with judicial interpretations of comparable federal antitrust statutes insofar as practicable, except where provisions of this chapter are expressly contrary to applicable federal provisions as construed.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
RI Gen L § 6-36-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-3 - Definitions.

§ 6-36-3. Definitions.For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the following meanings:(1) "Commodity" means any goods, merchandise, wares, produce, chose in action, article of commerce, or any other tangible or intangible property, real, personal, or mixed, for use, consumption, enjoyment, or resale;(2) "Department" means the department of attorney general of this state;(3) "Documentary material" means any original or copy of any book, record, memorandum, paper communication, tabulation, map, chart, photograph, mechanical transcription, or other tangible document or recording;(4) "Investigative demand" or "demand" means an investigative demand pursuant to § 6-36-9(b);(5) "Person" means any natural person or the estate of any natural person; or trust or association of persons, whether formal or otherwise; or any corporation, partnership, company, or any other legal or commercial entity;(6) "Public body" means the state of Rhode Island; any of its public agencies; cities and towns; its other political subdivisions; and other authorities;(7) "Service" means any kind of activity performed in whole or in part for financial gain including, but not limited to, personal services;(8) "Trade or commerce" means any economic activity of any type whatsoever involving any commodity or service or business activity whatsoever.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
RI Gen L § 6-36-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-4 - Restraint of trade or commerce.

§ 6-36-4. Restraint of trade or commerce.Every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of, or to monopolize, trade or commerce is unlawful.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-5 - Establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power.

§ 6-36-5. Establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power.The establishment, maintenance, or use of a monopoly, or an attempt to establish a monopoly, of trade or commerce by any person, for the purpose of excluding competition or controlling, fixing, or maintaining prices, is unlawful.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-6 - Certain contracts unlawful.

§ 6-36-6. Certain contracts unlawful.A contract for the supplying of commodities or furnishing of services; or for the fixing of prices charged for the commodities or services; or for the giving or selling of a discount or rebate, on the condition, agreement, or understanding that one party shall not deal in the commodities or services of a competitor or competitors of the other party; is unlawful where the effect of the contract or the condition, agreement, or understanding may be to lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in any line of commerce in any region of this state.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
RI Gen L § 6-36-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-7 - Scope of chapter.

§ 6-36-7. Scope of chapter.(a) This chapter applies to: (1) any contract, combination, or conspiracy, wherever created, formed, or entered into; (2) any establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power; and (3) any attempt or conspiracy to establish, maintain, or use monopoly power; wherever any of the foregoing has an impact on trade or commerce of this state sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the superior court.(b) In deciding whether conduct restrains or monopolizes trade or commerce or may substantially lessen competition within this state, determination of the relevant market or effective area of competition shall not be limited by the boundaries of this state. However, some portion of the relevant market or effective area of competition must be at least in part within this state.(c) No action or proceeding instituted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be barred on the ground that the activity or conduct complained of in any way affects or involves interstate or foreign commerce.(d) In any action under this chapter, the fact that a person or public body has not dealt directly with the defendant shall not bar or otherwise limit recovery. Provided, however, that courts shall exclude from the amount of monetary relief awarded in the action any amount of monetary relief which duplicates amounts which have been awarded for the same injury.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-8 - Exemptions.

§ 6-36-8. Exemptions.Any activity or activities exempt from the provisions of the antitrust laws of the United States shall be similarly exempt from the provisions of this chapter. The exemptions shall be liberally construed in harmony with federal statutes and ruling judicial interpretations of the United States courts, with due regard for the need to exempt conduct otherwise exempt under federal law but for the absence of any nexus with interstate commerce, except where the provisions of this chapter are expressly contrary to applicable federal provisions as construed. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to apply to activities or arrangements approved by any regulatory body or officer acting under statutory authority of this state or of the United States.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-10 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-10 - Injunction against and civil penalties for violations of this chapter.

§ 6-36-10. Injunction against and civil penalties for violations of this chapter.(a) Jurisdiction of courts. The superior court of this state shall have jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this chapter, provided that the statutory minimum amount in controversy is properly present. In addition to granting prohibitory injunctions and other restraints for a period and upon terms and conditions necessary to deter the defendant from, and insure against, the committing of future violations of this chapter, the courts may grant mandatory injunctions reasonably necessary to dissipate the ill effects of the violation. The courts may issue appropriate decrees upon consent and stipulation by the parties. The courts may also issue restraining orders. Under no circumstances shall the state or a public body be required to post bond in any action under this chapter.(b) (1) Right to injunctive relief. The attorney general may institute proceedings to prevent and restrain violations of this chapter as provided in subsection (a) of this section.(2) Any person or public body including the United States, whether a direct or indirect purchaser, may institute proceedings for injunctive relief, temporary or permanent, as provided in subsection (a) of this section, against threatened loss or damage to his or her property or business by a violation of this chapter. A preliminary injunction may be issued upon a showing that the danger of irreparable loss or damage is immediate and, within the court's discretion, the execution of proper bond against damages for an injunction improvidently granted. If the court issues a permanent injunction, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees, filing fees, and reasonable costs of the suit. Reasonable costs for the suit may include, but shall not be limited to, the expenses of discovery and document reproduction.(c) Civil penalty. In addition to injunctive relief authorized pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, any person who violates this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each violation.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-11 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-11 - Enforcement.

§ 6-36-11. Enforcement.(a) Action for treble damages. Any person or public body, including the United States, injured in his or her business or property by reason of a violation of the provisions of this chapter may sue in superior court and shall recover threefold the damages sustained by him or her, together with reasonable costs of suit and any reasonable attorneys' fees that may be granted at the discretion of the court. The reasonable costs of suit may include, but shall not be limited to, the expenses of discovery and document reproduction. In any action under this section the fact that a person or public body has not dealt directly with the defendant shall not bar or otherwise limit recovery. Provided, however, that the court shall exclude from the amount of the damages awarded in the action, any amount of monetary relief that duplicates amounts that have been awarded for the same injury, but shall not exclude reasonable costs and attorneys' fees.(b) Action by attorney general. The attorney general shall investigate suspected violations of the provisions of this chapter and if he or she shall conclude that a violation is imminent, is occurring, or has occurred, he or she may institute on behalf of the state of Rhode Island or any of its departments, subdivisions, agencies, or its cities and towns, an action in superior court seeking appropriate relief. The attorney general may bring an action in federal court on behalf of the state of Rhode Island; any of its political subdivisions or agencies; or its cities and towns to recover the damages provided for by the federal antitrust laws, and pursuant to the federal laws may undertake any measures that he or she deems necessary for the successful conduct of the action.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
RI Gen L § 6-36-13 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-13 - Proof of aggregate damages.

§ 6-36-13. Proof of aggregate damages.In any action brought by the attorney general under either § 6-36-11 or 6-36-12, the attorney general may recover aggregate damages sustained by the public bodies and by the citizens and residents of this state as respectively their interests shall appear in the case, without separately proving the claims of each of them; and his or her proof of the damages may be based upon statistical sampling methods, the pro rata allocation of excess profits to sales of other transactions occurring wholly or partially within this state or, any other reasonable system of estimating aggregate damages that the court in its discretion may permit.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-14 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-14 - Agreements with other plaintiffs - Settlements - Cooperation with other governments - Division of antitrust.

§ 6-36-14. Agreements with other plaintiffs — Settlements — Cooperation with other governments — Division of antitrust.(a) In any action brought by the attorney general pursuant either to this chapter or to the federal antitrust laws, or both, for the recovery of damages or other proper relief, the attorney general may enter into agreements relating to the investigation and litigation of the action with any other party plaintiff who has brought a similar action and with whom the attorney general finds it advantageous to act jointly or to share common expenses or to cooperate in any manner relative to the action. The attorney general may enter settlements with defendants that provide for the payment of money to plaintiffs.(b) The attorney general may cooperate with officials of the federal government and of the several states in the investigation and enforcement of violations to the end that implementation of this chapter will be accomplished in the most equitable and efficient manner possible.(c) The attorney general may establish a division of antitrust within the department of attorney general to enforce this chapter, and he or she may employ any assistant attorneys general, special assistant attorneys general, economic analysts, investigators, and clerical staff that may be required to support the division.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-15 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-15 - Common law powers.

§ 6-36-15. Common law powers.No provision of this chapter shall be construed to limit the common law powers of the attorney general.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-16 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-16 - Criminal penalties - Consent decrees.

§ 6-36-16. Criminal penalties — Consent decrees.(a) Fines and penalties. Any person or corporation, or any officer or agent of any person or corporation, who shall knowingly violate the provisions of this chapter or knowingly aid in or advise a violation, or who, as principal, manager, director, stockholder owning ten percent (10%) or more of the aggregate outstanding capital stock of all classes of the corporation, agent, servant, or employee, knowingly does any act comprising part of a violation, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one million dollars ($1,000,000) if a corporation, or, if a natural person, by not more than three (3) years imprisonment or by a fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), or both imprisonment and fine, in the discretion of the court.(b) Consent decrees. The attorney general may petition the court for entry of a consent decree dismissing any criminal prosecution under this chapter, but the court shall review the proceeding to determine whether entry of a consent decree dismissing any criminal prosecution is in the public interest.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-17 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-17 - Forfeiture of charter rights and privileges to do business.

§ 6-36-17. Forfeiture of charter rights and privileges to do business.(a) (1) Upon the failure of any person to comply with the terms of a final judgment or decree rendered by a court of this state issued for a violation of the provisions of this chapter, or to comply with a consent settlement approved by a court of this state concerning an alleged violation of this chapter, the attorney general may apply to the court:(i) For the forfeiture of any charter rights, franchise privileges, or powers of the corporation held by the person under the laws of this state;(ii) For dissolution, if the person is a corporation or limited partnership organized under the laws of this state; or(iii) For the suspension of the privilege to conduct business within this state.(2) The court, after giving due consideration to the public interest and to relevant competitive and economic circumstances, may grant so much of the requested relief as is deemed appropriate. Dissolution shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified by law for either voluntary or judicial dissolution of the particular type of corporation, association, firm, or partnership.(b) If any corporation, association, partnership, or limited partnership shall be dissolved or have its privilege to transact business in this state suspended or revoked as provided in subsection (a) of this section, no assignee, transferee, or successor in interest of the corporation, association, partnership, or limited partnership shall be permitted to incorporate or to transact business in this state without first applying to the court for and receiving an order permitting incorporation or transaction of business. No order shall be granted unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the court that it will conduct its affairs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-18 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-18 - Acts of officers, directors, representatives, or agents acting within the scope of their authority.

§ 6-36-18. Acts of officers, directors, representatives, or agents acting within the scope of their authority.(a) A corporation, association, firm, partnership, or limited partnership is liable for the acts of its officers, directors, representatives, or agents acting within the scope of their authority. Proof of the acts of any officer, director, representative, or agent shall be received as prima facie proof of the acts of the corporation, association, firm, partnership, or limited partnership itself.(b) When a corporation, association, firm, partnership, or limited partnership violates this chapter, the violation shall be deemed to be that of the individual directors, members, officers, managers, employees, or agents of the corporation, association, firm, partnership, or limited partnership who knowingly authorized, ordered, aided, abetted, or advised in the acts or omissions constituting in whole or in part the violation, whether the individuals acted on their own behalf and for their own benefit, or for the corporation, association, firm, partnership, or limited partnership and in their representative capacity. The individuals, in their capacity as individuals, are subject to the provisions of this chapter and may be joined, if subject to personal jurisdiction, as additional parties defendant in the proceedings against the corporation, association, partnership, or limited partnership.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-19 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-19 - Proof of conspiracy or combination.

§ 6-36-19. Proof of conspiracy or combination.In a prosecution under this chapter, it shall be sufficient to prove that a conspiracy or combination exists, and that the defendant or defendants belong to it or acted for or in connection with it, without proving all members belonging to it, or providing or producing any article or agreement or any written instrument on which it may be based, or that it was evidenced by any written instrument at all.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-20 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-20 - Judgment in favor of state as prima facie evidence.

§ 6-36-20. Judgment in favor of state as prima facie evidence.A final judgment or decree rendered in any civil or criminal proceeding under this chapter brought by or on behalf of the state of Rhode Island, any of its departments or agencies, or any of its political subdivisions to the effect that a defendant has violated this chapter shall be prima facie evidence against the defendant in any action or proceeding as to all matters respecting which the judgment or decree would be an estoppel as between the parties to it; provided, however, this section shall not apply to consent judgments or decrees entered before any testimony has been taken.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-21 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-21 - Notification of civil action.

§ 6-36-21. Notification of civil action.Upon commencement of any civil action by a person, other than the attorney general, for a violation of this chapter, the plaintiff shall mail a copy of the complaint to the attorney general and shall file proof of service on the attorney general with the court. The civil action may not proceed until the proof of service is filed.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-22 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-22 - Promulgation of rules and regulations.

§ 6-36-22. Promulgation of rules and regulations.The attorney general shall, from time to time, promulgate rules and regulations prescribing procedures for the implementation and effectuation of his or her powers and authority under this chapter in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
RI Gen L § 6-36-23 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions|Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law|Section 6-36-23 - Limitation of actions.

§ 6-36-23. Limitation of actions.Any action brought to enforce the provisions of this chapter shall be barred unless commenced within four (4) years after the cause of action arose, or if the cause of action is based upon a conspiracy in violation of this chapter, within four (4) years after the plaintiff discovered, or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts relied upon for proof of the conspiracy. No cause of action barred on July 1, 1979, shall be revived by this chapter. For purposes of this section, a cause of action for a continuing violation is deemed to arise at any time during the period of the violation.History of Section.P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.