American Voices

The $3 Billion Judgment

June 13, 2001 | ISSUE 37•22

Last week, a Los Angeles jury ordered Philip Morris to pay $3 billion in punitive damages to a longtime smoker who has lung cancer. What do you think?

  • Three billion dollars? I'm switching to non-filters right away.

    Vijay Thakker
    Cashier

  • When this guy started smoking 40 years ago, people had no idea it was bad for you. People had to guess based on the hacking cough, shortness of breath, and bloody phlegm.

    Donna Lafarge
    Interior Decorator

  • Shouldn't Bic have to pay for making the lighters that made the cigarettes deadly in the first place?

    Marcus Alberts
    Systems Analyst

  • Three billion for endangering the guy's life? Christ, Philip Morris could've had him killed for a measly ten grand.

    Phil Muncie
    Roofer

  • Finally, America's educational system is getting the funding it so desperately needs. What? The $3 billion is going to a smoker? Oh.

    Lisa Koenig
    Cellist

  • This is a victory for everyone without a shred of common sense.

    Donald Astbury
    Investment Banker

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