U.S. Supreme Court Dismisses $79.5 Million Damages Award in Smoking Case (Philip Morris USA v. Williams)

Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of Philip Morris USA v. Williams (case number 05-1256).  In its 5 - 4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned an Oregon Supreme Court ruling and dismissed a $79.5 million punitive damages award to Mayola Williams, the widow of Jesse Williams, a heavy cigarette smoker.  To learn more:

• U.S. Supreme Court ruling: Philip Morris USA v. Williams
• U.S. Supreme Court case docket (includes legal briefs filed in the case): Philip Morris USA v. Williams
• FindLaw Legal News story on the case

For information on some other tobacco litigation see the Light Cigarettes section.