Jump to full article: Associated Press (AP), 2004-08-13
Author: Associated Press
Intro: Smokers of so-called light cigarettes can pursue a class-action lawsuit against Philip Morris USA based on the claim that the tobacco giant advertised Marlboro Lights as less harmful than other brands, Massachusetts' highest court ruled Friday.
The Supreme Judicial Court's 4-3 decision marks the first time any state's high court has allowed smokers to proceed with a class action against the industry over the marketing of light cigarettes. Class-action status means anyone with a similar complaint against Philip Morris can join the suit and could be included in any monetary judgment against the company.
It is "the most important decision in tobacco litigation in many a year" because 90 percent of the cigarettes sold in the country are marketed as "light," said Steve Sheller, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs who is also pursuing other similar class-action lawsuits.
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