Louisiana Court Outlines Tobacco Conspiracy to Hide Smoking Dangers [11/07-1]
Excerpts from: Months Before Tobacco Verdict, Alleged Conspiracy Was Outlined
By Court
WAFB
9 [11/06/03]
Months before a jury ordered the tobacco industry to pay for cessation programs
for Louisiana smokers, a court-appointed official concluded that cigarette-makers
had engaged in a 50-year conspiracy to cover up the dangers of puffing.
An attorney representing Louisiana smokers said the ruling could change the
course of future suits against the industry in favor of those who claim the
industry conspired to keep them hooked. An attorney for a major tobacco company
played down the significance.
On July 28th, a state district court jury in New Orleans ruled that tobacco companies
should not have to pay for medical screening for one-and-a-half million current
and former Louisiana smokers. But the jury said that cigarette-makers should foot
the bill for quit-smoking programs. The second phase of the trial, to determine
how the programs should be set up and how much the industry should pay, is set
to begin on December 3rd.
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