Supreme Court allows suit against 'light' tobacco
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Filed Under:
Health
|
Law
The
U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed smokers in Maine to sue the manufacturers of "light" cigarettes for fraud.
In a 5-4 vote, the justices held that the suit was not pre-empted by federal law. The opinion was written by
Justice John Paul Stevens, who was joined by the liberal-leaning members of the court.
The smokers are seeking a class action lawsuit, alleging violations of Maine's Unfair Trade Practices Act. They are seeking monetary damages based on the economic rather than medical harm.
Get the Story:
Court Allows Suit Against 'Light' Cigarette Makers
(The Washington Post 12/16)
Top Court Lets Smokers Sue for Fraud (The New York Times 12/16)
Supreme Court Decision
Altria v. Good:
Syllabus |
Opinion [Stevens] |
Dissent [Thomas]
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