Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2009 Tobacco Warnings Probably Heading to the Supreme Court

Of constitutional interest to us all are the 2009 tobacco warnings created by Congress. These new, far more graphic messages about the health dangers of smoking have been challenged by tobacco companies as infringements of their rights to corporate free speech. Now, two appeals courts have ruled, one upholding the warnings and one striking them down.

That sort of disagreement within the lower federal courts is a typical justification for the Supreme Court to agree to hear the cases. So, look for further developments on this issue. I'll keep you posted.

Share your thoughts: do you think these warnings infringe on free speech? [You can leave comments anonymously, if you wish.]