US Supreme Court Docket
[Download October 6, 2008 Argument Calendar PDF]
[Click here for 2007 Docket]
that may be viewed using AdobeReader.
No. 07-562
Title:
Altria Group, Inc., et al. v. Stephanie Good et al.
Subject:
Tobacco, Preemption, Food and Drug Regulation, Advertising Claims
Question:
To ensure that interstate commerce is "not impeded by diverse, nonuniform, and confusing cigarette labeling and advertising regulations," Congress has precluded the States from imposing any "requirement or prohibition based on smoking and health . . . with respect to the advertising or promotion of any cigarettes," and has authorized the Federal Trade Commission to regulate "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the advertising of cigarettes." 15 U.S.C. sections 1331, 1334, 1336. Based on studies suggesting that cigarettes with comparatively lower tar and nicotine yields may present fewer health risks, the FTC requires tobacco companies to disclose those yields as measured using an FTC-mandated test, and has authorized tobacco companies to advertise cigarettes using "descriptors," such as "light," as shorthand references to the numerical test results. Respondents in this case contend that such descriptors are misleading, in violation of a state deceptive trade practices statute.
The question presented is whether state-law challenges to FTC-authorized statements regarding tar and nicotine yields in cigarette advertising are expressly or impliedly preempted by federal law.
Decisions:
- U.S. Court of Appeals - 1st Circuit Opinion Filed: August 31, 2007
- United States Supreme Court Cert. Granted: January 18, 2008
Resources:
- Docket Sheet From the U.S. Supreme Court.
-
Coming Soon
For Petitioner:
For Respondent:Theodore B. Olson
Gibson Dunn and Crutcher LLP
Washington, DC
David C. Frederick
Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans and Figel, P.L.L.C.
Washington, DC
To view PDF files listed on this page you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
