Bullock V. Philip Morris Usa, Inc.: Where ‘Reprehensibility’ As An Exception To Constitutional Protections And The Ratio Guidepost Includes The Wealth Of The Defendant

February 23, 2012

On November 30, 2011, the California Supreme Court exercised its discretion and let stand a $13.8 million punitive damage award that was more than 16 times the compensatory damages awarded by the jury. The case, Bullock v. Philip Morris, 1 (Bullock) involved a smoker diagnosed with lung cancer who filed suit against the cigarette manufacturer, seeking damages based on products liability, fraud, and other theories.

Bullock v. Philip Morris USA, Inc.: Where ‘Reprehensibility’ As An Exception To Constitutional Protections And the Ratio Guidepost Includes The Wealth Of The Defendant