JOE CAMEL’S DEMISE The Multistate Lawsuit That Changed the Tobacco Industry
If you were born before the late 20th century, you likely have memories of Joe Camel’s dazzling, rugged adventures or the Flintstones’ favorite cigarettes. In fact, tobacco products have been a large part of American culture since the pilgrims landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. But little was understood about the health risks these products pose until the 1950s. By then, hundreds of civil suits had been filed against major tobacco companies for fraud and personal injuries. Yet, only two of these cases favored the plaintiffs, and those outcomes were reversed in higher courts. Around 1960, British scientists began publishing studies about the links between smoking and severe health issues, causing a turn against tobacco that ultimately led to restrictions in advertising in 1970. But society wasn’t done. In 1994, 40 attorney generals across the U.S. sued four of the biggest tobacco companies in the country — which comprised more than 90 percent of tobacco sales — for relief and consumer protection. The states felt that since the products were causing so many of their constituents to become sick, tobacco was a statewide funding issue that resulted in increased public health costs. The large corporations sought to settle the matter outside of court, and together with the attorney generals, they urged Congress to limit individual cases against tobacco companies in exchange
for payments by the companies of more than $368 billion over 25 years to individual states, active government campaigns against tobacco use, compensation for tobacco farmers, and restrictions on advertising. The bill subsequently failed in Congress, leaving the parties to battle the matter in court.
In 1998, 46 states and tobacco companies settled the matter out of court with the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). This agreement remains one of the largest civil agreements in U.S. history, and its supplies are maintained with yearly funding from tobacco companies. The payments have been used to create antismoking and antitobacco campaigns, and in 2018, states were awarded more than $27 billion. The MSA paved the way for powerful campaigns against smoking and tobacco use, contributing to decreased smoking rates across the U.S. It remains one of the most pivotal cases in history, impacting consumers, health care, and advertising to this day. We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank the following clients who have referred others to us since our February newsletter:
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine.
Everything Popcorn
Ingredients •
3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
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2 teaspoons granulated onion 1/3 cup canola oil
Craig Ward Jermaine Harrison Odell Williams
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1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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Directions 1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, until corn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.
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