Statistical Testimony on Damages in Minnesota v. Tobacco Industry

In 1994, the state of Minnesota and Minnesota Blue Cross/Blue Shield filed suit in Minnesota District Court against Philip Morris, six other tobacco companies, and two tobacco trade groups (“Tobacco”) alleging that the defendants had acted fraudulently, conspired to prevent development of a less hazardous cigarette, and violated a public trust to communicate accurately about the health effects of smoking. After a four-month trial, the judge instructed the jury in Minnesota law. But before a decision could be rendered, the two sides settled with Tobacco agreeing to pay $6.5 billion and to restrict advertising and trade of cigarettes in the state of Minnesota.