Supreme Court Hears Tobacco Case

Article in the New York Times -- Supreme Court Hears Tobacco Case, from the Associated Press:

    The Supreme Court grappled Tuesday with whether to allow a $79.5 million verdict
    against a cigarette company, a case that business groups are pointing to in asking
    the justices to clamp down on large damage awards.

    Mayola Williams was in the crowded courtroom to hear the justices discuss the
    judgment that an Oregon jury imposed against Altria Group Inc.'s Philip Morris USA
    in connection with the death of her husband, Jesse.

    A two-pack-a-day smoker of Marlboros for 45 years, Jesse Williams died of lung cancer
    nine years ago. Mayola Williams followed through on a promise she said she made to
    her husband and sued Philip Morris, which makes Marlboros, for fraud. She won.

The article goes on to discuss the oral argument in some detail.  The New York Times also provides a webpage linking the briefs submitted and opinions below.

The Washington Post's related story is Philip Morris Asks Court for Relief: Cigarette Maker Challenges $79.5 Million Damage Award, by Charles Lane.

BGS