TOBACCO INDUSTRY LOSES ROUND IN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT BID.The tobacco industry has lost two recent court battles, as U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler declined to dismiss the industry's request for dismissal of racketeering Traditionally, obtaining or extorting money illegally or carrying on illegal business activities, usually by Organized Crime . A pattern of illegal activity carried out as part of an enterprise that is owned or controlled by those who are engaged in the illegal activity. charges brought by the Justice Department and the Florida Supreme Court refused to reverse a $195,000 judgment awarded to the widow of a teacher who died of lung cancer. The two decisions represent a rare setback for the tobacco industry. Kessler's ruling allows the Justice Department to proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). with its suit seeking $289 billion in treble damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Defendants in the case are: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings; Philip Morris USA Philip Morris USA is the United States tobacco division of Altria Group, Inc. General information On January 27, 2003, Philip Morris Companies Inc. changed its name to Altria Group, Inc. Even under this new name, Altria continues to own 100% of Philip Morris USA. Inc. and its parent, Altria Group Inc.; British American Tobacco PLC British American Tobacco PLC formerly British-American Tobacco Company Ltd. (1902–76) and B.A.T Industries PLC (1976–98) British conglomerate that is one of the world's largest manufacturers of tobacco products. ; Lorrilard Tobacco Co.; Liggett Group Inc.; Counsel for Tobacco Research-USA, and the Tobacco Institute. RJR RJR R.J. Reynolds RJR Thorny Skate (FAO fish species code) , the defendant in the Florida case, had asked the Florida high court to block a state law allowing suits against tobacco manufacturers on grounds federal law regulated the manufacturers. RJR says it will appeal the decision. |
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