Tobacco.org

Big Tobacco Burning Again Jury selection begins in latest class action 

"We don't think there's a legal basis for these claims, so we have no reason to settle," Bernick said. The tobacco industry also believes that settlements "only tend to breed more litigation," he added.

Still, some observers believe a Brooklyn jury could change some tobacco defendants' minds about settling.

The case "is important because Judge Weinstein has made it clear he wants to do something big," said Richard Daynard, a Northeastern University law professor who has worked with attorneys suing tobacco companies. "If the case is successful, it will give him more to work with in terms of a global settlement."

Jump to full article »