Illinois Decision is a Victory for Jobs and Investment

"The court also closed the door on the outrageous practice of whipsawing someone - whether a big business or a solitary individual - between government regulations and civil liability."

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The American Conservative Union, the nation's oldest and largest grassroots lobbying organization, today applauded the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to throw out a class-action lawsuit brought against Philip Morris, USA in 2003. Yesterday's 4-2 vote overturned the earlier decision by a Madison County judge awarding $10.1 billion in punitive damages and fees to the plaintiff class.

The State Supreme Court ruled that Philip Morris had abided by all state and FDA regulations relating to the products involved in the case and was therefore protected from fraudulent lawsuits by the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.

"The Consumer Fraud Act provides a safe harbor from civil liability for activity that Federal or State laws expressly permits and regulates. The tobacco products involved in this lawsuit clearly fall in that category. The Illinois Supreme Court held that the plain language of the Illinois statute means exactly what it says. That is a victory for common sense," noted ACU Board member and Chicago attorney, Joseph A. Morris.

"The court also closed the door on the outrageous practice of whipsawing someone - whether a big business or a solitary individual - between government regulations and civil liability. This decision is an unmistakable slap in the face to the Madison County lawsuit mill. That is a victory for fairness and for prospects of investment, jobs and economic progress for the people of Illinois," said ACU Chairman David Keene.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Molly Ford at (703) 836-8602 x16 or by e-mail at mford@conservative.org