Statement Regarding Settlement Discussions in Tobacco Lawsuit
By William V. Corr Executive Director, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
June 21, 2005
Washington, DC — Whether or not a settlement in the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against the tobacco companies might be appropriate at the right time and under terms that protect the American public, the Justice Department should not settle this case now while it is under a cloud of political interference or under the weak terms proposed by the government in its closing argument. The government has presented a very strong case against the tobacco companies and should not back away from the strong remedies recommended by its own expert witnesses.