Two decades ago, Texas AG Dan Morales launched the single largest and most important public health lawsuit in history when he sued Big Tobacco for reimbursement of smoking-related medical costs. He said the case would force cigarette makers to seller safer products, prohibit tobacco companies from marketing to teenagers and require the industry to fund anti-smoking programs.
Was the litigation a success? The Texas Lawbook examines the historic $17.6 billion settlement and follows the money. Did Texas politicians piss away billions on booze and cigarettes? How much have the Big Five Texas trial lawyers received? And why Harry Potter may be the most important person in the entire litigation.
