Congress passed the Federal Trade Commission Act in 1914, displeased with its initial foray into competition policy, the Sherman Act. Congress desired to create a Commission comprised of "trained, skillful [people]..clothed with adequate authority" who could provide "more complete and accurate knowledge" of the practices of business and inform the courts and the Department of Justice. After 100 years, the system of consumer protection and competition policy in place stands in sharp contrast to the vision of Congress. A panel of present and former FTC stars will discuss the role of the Federal Trade Commission in the enforcement of competition policy and consumer protection, with one eye on the past and the other on the future of the Commission. Challenges faced by the Commission will be discussed, as well as the level of deference the agency receives before the courts.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.