Tobacco.org

Memphis Jury Verdicts in Favor of Philip Morris U.S.A. Applauded 

``These verdicts, plainly and simply, reaffirm the common sense approach of jurors to these smoking and health cases,'' said Charles R. Wall, deputy general counsel for Philip Morris. ``Jurors reject the idea of giving money to people who chose to smoke.''

After less than 18 hours of deliberations, the 12-person jury returned its verdicts that Philip Morris was not responsible for the injuries suffered by the plaintiffs.

``Today's verdicts were especially gratifying to Philip Morris because we presented the testimony of company employees explaining to the jury how hard and long the company has worked to develop cigarettes responsive to health concerns,'' Wall said.

``In addition, we explained to the jury how Philip Morris, and indeed the entire cigarette industry, responded to the health claims made about cigarette smoking from the 1950s, through research and new products, in an effort to reduce risks associated with smoking,'' Wall said. ``I have to believe this testimony is reflected in the verdicts.''

The company witnesses testified that Philip Morris had marketed, albeit unsuccessfully, a cigarette with virtually no nicotine and is currently test marketing a cigarette that heats, rather than burns, tobacco. The company continues to do research on these and similar products.

Jump to full article »

What these verdicts show is that jurors continue to use their common sense and are wary of claims that smokers were unaware of health risks or that the company's actions influenced personal decisions on whether to smoke.
Charles R. Wall, deputy general counsel for Philip Morris, on the Karney, et.al. verdicts. Quoted in <i>Memphis Jury Verdicts in Favor of Philip Morris U.S.A. Applauded</i>