Getting burned

Article Abstract:

The federal deal with the tobacco industry, requiring congressional approval, called for the industry to pay $368.5 bil over 25 years. This amount was to be divided among the states that sued, public health groups, and a fund to pay costs to sick smokers and legal damages. The industry was to obtain immunity from class actions brought on behalf of smokers and a $5 bil annual cap on damages brought by individuals in return for a $50 bil payment toward a public health trust fund and tobacco-control measures. Legal fees, determined separately by arbitration, were to be paid by tobacco. All of this died after failing to get congressional approval. State efforts to settle the suits are summarized.

Health aspects, Cover Story, Product liability, Smoking, Personal injuries, Products liability, Tobacco, states

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Deadly inspiration

Article Abstract:

Claims that motion pictures and other artistic media provoke violence have been made before, and scientific evidence of the last 20 years does point to a link. The film 'Natural Born Killers' may have set a record, however, with at least 14 murderers having claimed to be emulating the film. The television industry has reacted to legislative threats by agreeing to V-chip technology, a voluntary ratings system enabling parents to shield children from programming they consider offensive.

Influence, Violence in motion pictures, Movie violence, Natural Born Killers (Motion picture)

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Deadly advice targeted; decision allows suit against publisher of murder manual

Article Abstract:

The unprecedented 1997 US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit decision holding that the murder manual 'Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors' fell outside the First Amendment's protection allowed the victim's survivors to sue the book's publisher for aiding and abetting the murder. The US Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case left a circuit split on First Amendment protection from civil liability of those who publish detailed instructions for illegal activities.

Freedom of speech, Criminal liability

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