Jump to full article: The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition, 2006-08-03
Author: Christina Cheddar Berk, Dow Jones Newswires
Intro: -A hearing that could help create a nationwide class-action lawsuit for millions of light cigarette smokers has been postponed until Sept. 13.
The hearing in the case, which also is known as the Schwab for lead plaintiff Barbara Schwab, was originally set for Aug. 14 at the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn.
The case is being heard before Judge Jack Weinstein, a federal judge with a reputation for supporting large class-action cases as an efficient means to force manufacturers to compensate consumers who are harmed by their products.
Tobacco industry watchers have been monitoring the case closely because Judge Weinstein has previously certified class-action cases against the cigarette makers. . . .
Tobacco industry analysts expect a window could be opening up for Altria's break-up. They point to recent court opinions in the Engle suit in Florida and the Price "lights" case in Illinois.
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