The United States v. Joint Traffic Association case in 1898 involved the U.S government challenging a railroad cartel, the Joint Traffic Association (JTA), under the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The JTA was an agreement between various railway companies to fix and maintain rates for freight transportation across state lines. The Supreme Court ruled that this agreement violated federal antitrust laws as it restrained interstate commerce by eliminating competition among railroads, leading to artificially high prices which were detrimental to consumers and businesses alike. This decision reaffirmed the power of federal law over state law when it comes to regulating interstate commerce, reinforcing Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

In the dissenting opinion for United States v. Joint Traffic Association, Justice Edward Douglass White argued that the majority's interpretation of the Sherman Antitrust Act was too broad and could potentially criminalize any form of agreement or understanding between businesses. He contended that such an expansive reading would make it impossible for companies to operate effectively in a competitive market without constantly fearing legal repercussions. Furthermore, he expressed concern about federal overreach into matters traditionally regulated by states, cautioning against undermining state sovereignty and disrupting the balance of power within our federal system. Justice White also questioned whether Congress intended to prohibit all forms of restraint on trade when it passed the Sherman Act or if its aim was more narrowly focused on preventing monopolies and other unfair business practices that harm competition.