Tompkins v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER

SCULLIN, District Judge.

Introduction

Richard F. Tompkins died in 1996 at the age of 68. For purposes of the motions pending before this Court, the parties agree that he died from lung cancer caused by smoking. He is said to have started smoking around the age of 10. He predominantly smoked unfiltered Camel cigarettes — an average of one pack per day. Since the mid-1950s, his wife encouraged him to quit. In the 1960s, the Surgeon General issued a report on smoking and health, and Congress mandated that warnings be placed on cigarette packaging. In 1984, Mr. Tompkins…