A federal judge has given the federal government permission to pursue a $280 billion racketeering lawsuit against big tobacco companies.

U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler said the case can proceed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. She said the government has to prove the tobacco industry earned its billions through fraud.

Tobacco companies are considering an appeal of the order. Kessler is set to start a trial on September 13.

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Tobacco Racketeering Trial to Proceed (The Washington Post 5/25)
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