Department of Justice attorneys argued that a federal appeals court decision had no bearing on their request for $130 billion from tobacco companies in a brief submitted only a month before they changed course, The Washington Post reports.

The brief was signed by top DOJ officials, including Assistant Attorney General Peter D. Keisler. They said the D.C. Circuit decision wouldn't bar a $130 billion tobacco cessation program.

Then, on May 12, the same attorneys abruptly changed their minds and said they would only seek a $10 billion penalty. They concluded that the court decision only allowed damages for future smokers, not past ones.

DOJ has since started an investigation into the handling of the case.

Get the Story:
Justice Dept. Defended Larger Tobacco Penalty (The Washington Post 6/15)
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Relevant Links:
Tobacco Litigation - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/tobacco2

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