Smokers' deception claims met with skepticism at Supreme Court

By MICHAEL DOYLE - McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court returned to the stage Monday as justices weighed whether state laws can be used to challenge deceptive cigarette advertising. Against the backdrop of a presidential campaign, the high court opened its 2008-2009 term with a case crucial to business and consumer advocates alike. Multiple justices sounded skeptical about the efforts by three Maine smokers to challenge the parent company of Philip Morris under state law. "I have difficulty in accepting your position in this entire case," Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy told the attorney for the smokers. Opening its business on the traditional first Monday of October, the court heard the cigarette advertising arguments while outside anti-abortion demonstrators rallied. Justices let stand without comment a... [read full story]