The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear the Bush administration's attempt to seek as much as $280 billion from big tobacco companies.

Without comment, the justices let stand a lower court ruling that limited the amount of damages the government can seek from the industry. The lower court said the companies can only pay prospective damages -- not past ones -- for allegedly misleading consumers about the harmful effects of tobacco.

The Department of Justice said it will continue to pursue the case. The damages might run $14 billion.

Get the Story:
Justices Reject Appeal in Tobacco Case (The New York Times 10/18)
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$280 Billion Penalty Against Tobacco Firms Is Blocked (AP 10/18)
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Relevant Links:
Tobacco Litigation - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/tobacco2

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