... section(s) that make these actions "illegal" in California, Jim? I actively practiced criminal law for more than 20 years and maintain a passing interest in current penal laws and have never heard of any law which would make the auction bidding practices you described illegal.

I also briefly reviewed the most likely California Codes for any such law tonight and could not find one. I find it most amazing that it might be illegal to agree not to bid on an item; the other two practices you describe sound like better candidates for some kind of regulation. Nevertheless, I can't find anything which would make them illegal, either.

If you don't know the code sections, do you have the name of a trade organization (or person) in the auction field who might have that information. If these three actions are illegal (at least here in California), I would certainly like to know that, as I have done the first two on several occasions and given an appropriate opportunity, would do a pre-auction agreement, too (that is, I would if it is not illegal; if it is, I might have to reconsider <g>).

Thanks for any information you can provide. ----- jim o\-S