The Department of Justice will investigate the actions of government attorneys handling the racketeering case against the tobacco industry.

The Office of Professional Responsibility will look into allegations that politics played a role in the department's decision to seek reduced penalties in the case. Initially, the government sought $280 billion from tobacco companies but change the figure last week to just $10 billion.

A day later, attorneys said they wouldn't ask tobacco companies to pay for programs to help people quit smoking. They said an appeals court decision only allowed prospective damages.

Get the Story:
Justice Dept. to Probe Reduction of Tobacco Penalty (The Washington Post 6/14)
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Tobacco Trial Sets Off Inquiry in Justice Dept. (The New York Times 6/14)
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Relevant Links:
Tobacco Litigation - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/tobacco2

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