Tobacco Lawsuits

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Tobacco Lawsuits

A paper which argues against the right of smokers to sue big tobacco companies for health problems incurred from smoking.

2,359 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the history of smoking tobacco, including campaigns against the habit as far back as the sixteenth century. The paper looks at the lawsuits which have been brought against large tobacco companies such as Philip Morris and the outcomes of these trials. The paper argues that nobody today has the right to sue these companies as the health warnings against smoking have been around all their lives.

From the Paper:

"The biggest lawsuit against the tobacco industry is Betty Bullock's lawsuit against Philip Morris in October 2002. She won $28 billion because the jury found Philip Morris guilty of fraud and negligence. Betty Bullock started smoking Philip Morris's brand of cigarette about fourty-five years ago. Now sixty-four, she has cigarette-induced lung cancer which has spread to her liver (Washington). Her argument is the same as anyone's who is suing big tobacco. The tobacco company lied, so that made her start smoking and not quit. Now sick, she feels they owe her money for their negligence to inform her of the risks of smoking. She started smoking before the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act was passed, but after it was known that cigarettes were harmful and addictive. When asked why she didn't quit smoking even after being warned by her doctor of the risks of smoking and urged by her daughter to quit, she answered by saying, "I am an adult. This is my business?" (Washington). If she can handle her own business as an adult, why should Philip Morris pay her money? She is an adult and her business is her own."