Low-smoke butt may signal new tobacco gambit: researchers' leaks may mean tobacco industry can't use 'agriculture' defense

Article Abstract:

Disclosures by former tobacco researchers that the tobacco industry has known of the addictive and harmful quality of cigarettes may undermine the industry's ability to use the agricultural products defense as well as the litigation benefit of introducing alternative products. Products liability law provides a defense to manufacturers of agricultural products that cannot be produced more safely. Leaked research reports indicate that tobacco companies knew for decades that a safer product could be produced. No such safety claims are being made regarding the low-smoke cigarettes that R.J. Reynolds is planning to introduce.

Cigarettes, Cigarette Manufacturing, Health aspects, United States, Cases, Product introduction, Tobacco industry, R.J. Reynolds Industries Inc., Low-smoke cigarettes, Low smoke cigarettes

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Secondhand smoke suits may catch fire; some lawyers see an upsurge following a new EPA report

Article Abstract:

Cases alleging personal injuries from passive smoking are the new wave in smoking litigation. They have been given ammunition by an EPA report linking secondhand smoke to lung cancer and by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The EPA report may also occasion new Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Moreover, the American Lung Assn has called on all federal agencies to institute a smoking ban.

Reports, United States. Environmental Protection Agency, Passive smoking

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Out of bounds? Critics on Judge Sarokin

Article Abstract:

Judge H. Lee Sarokin recused himself from Cipollone v Liggett Group after being reassigned from Haines v Liggett Group after an allegedly prejudicial comment and compared himself to the late Judge Sirica of the Watergate Affair. He expressed his worry about the independence of the judiciary if a powerful litigant could cause a judge's removal for making statements supported by the evidence.

Analysis, Judicial process, Sarokin, H. Lee

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