Tobacco Case Ruling Overturned

Philip Morris prevailed on the appeal from a $10.1 billion judgment against them in a class action tried under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Plaintiffs, consisting of an estimated 1.14 million consumers of Marlboro Lights and Cambridge Lights, won $7.1 billion in compensatory damages plus an additional $3 million in punitive damages, alleging they were deceived into believing these cigarettes delivered less tar and nicotine. Philip Morris sought reversal on several grounds and the judgment was reversed. Best Evidence, Inc. provided document scanning, management, and database support for electronic publishing of the interactive hyperlinked initial, answer and reply briefs.