Tobacco.org

'Light' smoke suits look shaky as USSC takes case 

The fate of billions of dollars in potential lawsuit damages awards against Big Tobacco over "light cigarettes" now lies with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The USSC agreed last week to review a federal appeals court ruling that a class action fraud suit (Altria v. Good, 07-562) brought by smokers in Maine against Altria Group's Philip Morris USA (PMUSA) could proceed. Plaintiffs claim Philip Morris falsely advertised light cigarettes as containing less tar and nicotine.

More than 30 such suits against Big Tobacco are currently pending in courts around the country, reports note. A federal class action suit pending in New York that claims Big Tobacco violated anti-racketeering laws in promoting light cigarettes could contain up to 60 million smokers, AP reported.

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