Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Lister
Are they being charged with accessory to conspiracy to collude to fix prices?
I'm not trying to be difficult, I really just don't understand.
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In a conspiracy *everybody* involved is equally guilty regardless of their specific actions. You are either in or out; if you knew of it and did nothing--to say nothing of helping it along--you are as guilty as any other participant.
And in this case, Apple was the *essential* go-between and *likely* prime mover. Think of it as a conspiracy to commit murder: you have the jealous wife that hires a hitman and you have the middleman that puts the two in touch. All three agreed to commit murder. All are guilty.
Everybody who willingly helped consumers get ripped-off is equally guilty.
(It is unclear how willing Random House and B&N were, hence they haven't yet been charged. Both knew of the conspiracy and went along with it...after strongarming. They aren't wholly clear, though. Especially in the Class Action suit.)
"Shoot them all and let god sort them out."
http://www.military-quotes.com/misc%20quotes.htm
BTW, for all the whining that the DOJ is being unfair, the truth is DOJ is being *gentle* to the conspirators. This kind of activity also qualifies for *criminal* prosecution under RICO. They are lucky they aren't being personally charged with racketeering.
(Probably one reason the smarter CEOs are settling...)