From the Executive Director

Although the trial ended in June, there have been several new developments in the U.S. Department of Justice's racketeering case against the tobacco industry.

As reported in our June newsletter, the DOJ radically shifted course in the last days of the trial, requesting only a $10 billion national cessation program after its own expert witness had testified that a $130 billion program was needed to be effective.  In response, six health organizations - Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, and National African American Tobacco Prevention Network - moved to intervene (i.e., become parties to) the case, arguing that the DOJ was no longer effectively representing the interests of public health.  The Court granted this motion on July 22, writing that " [i]n a case of this magnitude . . . it will serve the public interest for major public health organizations, such as Intervenors, who have long experience with smoking and health issues, to contribute their perspectives on what appropriate and legally permissible remedies may be imposed should liability be found."  For the full text of the ruling, click here.

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