Judge Rules Against Graphic Warnings on Cigarette Boxes
On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that a federal law requiring tobacco companies to include graphic warning labels on cigarette packages is unconstitutional. The decision came three months after the judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking FDA from enforcing the requirement, citing concerns that it violates companies' free speech rights. The government is expected to appeal the ruling.
- "Tobacco Health Labels Unconstitutional: Judge" (Pelofsky, Reuters, 3/1).
- "Judge Blocks Rules Requiring Graphic Images on Cigarette Packs" (Wilber/Brown, Washington Post, 2/29).
- "U.S. Judge Strikes Down FDA Cigarette Labels" (Strom, New York Times, 2/29).
- "Grisly Tobacco Labels Thrown Out by Judge" (Esterl, Wall Street Journal, 2/29).