Smokers court appeals denied

Tobacco companies: Smokers won large damage awards without having proof

The Supreme Court is turning away appeals from cigarette manufacturers of more than $70 million in court judgments to Florida smokers.

R.J. Reynolds, Philip Morris and Lorillard wanted the court to review cases in which smokers won large damage awards without having to prove that the companies sold a defective and dangerous product or hid the risks of smoking.