Illinois Supreme Court rejects $10 billion judgment against Phillip Morris

Posted on November 5, 2015
cigarette
A class-action lawsuit claimed Phillip Morris marketed “light” and “low-tar” cigarettes as less likely to cause cancer. (Photo by uzi978/flickr)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – The “Call for Philip Morris” turned out in the cigarette company’s favor in the Illinois Supreme Court.

The justices dealt a setback but not a final one to the hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs. On a four two vote, they tossed out a $10.1 billion award but left the door open for those plaintiffs to keep trying.

It seems those smokers thought “light” and “low-tar” Marlboros were less cancerous, and they alleged deceptive marketing on the part of Philip Morris. The latest ruling was basically that the venue was not appropriate, as opposed to the merits of the case or award.

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