GOVERNMENT: Mercy of the Court

In the 69 years since Congress passed the Sherman Act. no reputable businessmen have served a jail term for antitrust violations and none after pleading nolo contendere (no contest)—until last month. Then Federal Judge Mell G. Underwood, 67, of Columbus, Ohio set a precedent. He ordered four officials of hand implement manufacturing companies to serve 90 days in the federal penitentiary at Milan, Mich. On the way to surrender, Defendant John T. Mains, 56, former mayor of Greenfield, Ohio, put a bullet through his head. Last week Judge Underwood rejected a plea...

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