Tobacco Trial Moves to Second Phase
07/11/99
Lawyers who won a landmark liability decision against the tobacco industry last week plan to use Farnan's story to show tobacco's human toll to the Florida jury hearing the case as the trial enters its second stage -- the award of damages.
The first phase of the Florida smokers' class-action lawsuit dealt primarily with the deeds of faceless corporations. The second phase will be much more human, dealing with the lives of the Farnan and eight other sick smokers who represent the class of half a million.
Circuit Judge Robert Kaye may set the start date for the second phase this afternoon. The judge has issued a gag order preventing parties to the case from discussing it with reporters.
Cigarettes
