Linda Prentice, etc. v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Supreme Court of Florida ____________ No. SC20-291 ____________ LINDA PRENTICE, etc., Petitioner, vs. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, Respondent. March 17, 2022 MUÑIZ, J. As we will soon explain, this is an “Engle progeny” case, where an injured smoker sues a tobacco company for fraudulent concealment, conspiracy, and other tortious conduct. Today we resolve a district court conflict over what proof is required to prevail on the reliance element of those fraudulent concealment and conspiracy claims—a disagreement that has led to divergent jury instructions in Engle progeny cases. 1 We hold…