Florida Sold Cigarettes, Firms Say

Lawyers for the tobacco industry argued that cigarette makers should be allowed to present evidence in a landmark trial that Florida sold cigarettes to prisoners and must bear responsibility for smoking-related illnesses of its citizens. The motion to allow the evidence was filed in the state’s court case to try and recover $450 million in Medicaid payments for smoking-related illnesses. A jury trial in the case is scheduled to begin this summer. The tobacco industry says Florida must bear the cost of smoking-related illnesses because it had permitted the use and sale of tobacco in the state. Robert Montgomery, an attorney for the state, said Florida law prohibits cigarette makers from using actions by individuals or Florida to avoid being sued for damages.