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Closing arguments heard in Oklahoma opioid trial

TULSA — The first state lawsuit over the opioid crisis to actually go to trial, Oklahoma's case against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson wrapped up Monday as both sides presented their closing arguments.

Oklahoma Attorney General Mark Hunter's case centers on the contention that the company and its subsidiaries used deceptive marketing which overstated the benefits of opioids while deliberately downplaying the potential dangers.

The company argued that it followed the law in what is a tightly-regulated industry, and that it shouldn't be blamed for the crisis which has killed an estimated 6,100 Oklahomans since the turn of the century.

Hunter's strategy included dropping several complaints, and focusing on a public nuisance claim.

That allowed the lawsuit to be heard during a bench trial, meaning there was no jury - the judge alone will rule on the case.

Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman said he will likely issue that ruling in late August or early September.

Oklahoma is seeking up to $17.5 billion to be paid out over 30 years.

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