Supreme Court closely divided on tobacco case (Reuters)

By James Vicini 16 minutes ago WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court seemed closely divided as it heard arguments on Monday over whether tobacco firms can be sued under state law for deceptive advertising of "light" cigarettes, a case that could affect some 40 suits around the country seeking billions of dollars. A lawyer for Altria Group Inc. and its Philip Morris USA unit argued that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act bars such lawsuits, as the justices returned to the bench for the first time since the end of June. The Bush administration partially supported the argument made by a lawyer for three longtime smokers from Maine who want to proceed with their suit seeking damages from the largest U.S. cigarette maker. The justices vigorously questioned lawyers for both sides and seemed closely divided, but... [read full story]