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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Edward L. Sweda, JD, Tobacco Control Resource Center, 102 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, 617-373-8462, ed@tplp.org

Objective: Suing tobacco companies, a viable strategy to improve public health and to hold those companies accountable for their extraordinarily reprehensible misconduct, should be encouraged. Method: The author has analyzed hundreds of lawsuits against tobacco companies. One important category of lawsuits against the tobacco industry has focused on its efforts to deter smoking cessation among health-conscious smokers by promoting so-called “light” or “ultra light” cigarettes as a less hazardous alternative to regular cigarettes. There have been more than forty such cases in the U.S. in twenty-three states, as well as cases filed in other countries, including Canada. Results: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 2004 allowed such a lawsuit to proceed as a class action, while in December 2005 the Illinois Supreme Court overturned a multi-billion award against Philip Morris. The family of an Oregon woman who died of lung cancer after having switched to a “light” cigarette won a $100,165,000 verdict against Philip Morris. Conclusions: Learning about “light” cigarette lawsuits will enhance the ability of those working in tobacco control to educate the public, including key decision makers, about this particular tobacco industry deceptive trade practice and will facilitate cooperation with attorneys who represent its victims.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be better able to deveop plans to educate the public, including key deciion makers, about this particular tobacco industry deceptive trade practice and to cooperate with attorneys who represent its victims.

Keywords: Tobacco Litigation, Tobacco Industry

Related Web page: www.tobacco.neu.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered