US court dismisses smoking appeal

The US Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by cigarette maker Philip Morris over a $79.5m award to the widow of a long-time Oregon smoker.

The court upheld a 1999 ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court in favour of Mayola Williams.

Having heard arguments in December, the judges said in a one-sentence order that they were not passing judgement on the legal issues presented.

The judgement has grown to more than $145m with interest.

Jesse Williams died of lung cancer in 1997 having smoked for 40 years.

Mrs. Williams sued the cigarette manufacturer for fraud on behalf of her husband.

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