Facts fudged in smoking ban campaigns

by Keith Loria. January 05, 2010 04:08 PM.

While a number of recent studies suggest that smoking bans cut down on heart attacks, critics argue that the data they rely on have been skewed or misinterpreted.

Philip Morris verdict wrong on three counts

by Keith Loria. December 02, 2009 10:48 AM.

Critics say the verdict represents a politically correct determination to vilify tobacco companies and ignore smokers' assumption of risks.

Legalizing theft by lawsuit

by Paul Tinder. September 29, 2009 03:17 PM.

In light of subsequent actions against lead paint and asbestos manufacturers, a 2001 commentary by Robert Levy of the Cato Institute on contingency-fee arrangements seems positively prescient.

Philip Morris to appeal $1.9M verdict

by Keith Loria. September 09, 2009 10:43 AM.

RICHMOND, VA. -- Philip Morris USA announced on August 13 that it would appeal a Ft. Lauderdale jury verdict awarding $5.3 million in compensatory damages to the family of a former smoker.

Kansas City’s Smoking Ban Stands

by Aricka Flowers. June 23, 2009 05:00 PM.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Kansas City bar’s petition against the city’s smoking ban seems to have gone up in smoke thanks to a decision issued today by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Judge nixes New York City’s "consumer fraud" recovery of cigarette taxes

by Ashley C. Stinnett. June 19, 2009 08:51 AM.

NEW YORK, NY -- A New York Court of Appeals judge has ruled the city can no longer use the state’s consumer fraud law to recover lost revenue from untaxed cigarettes shipped into the city.