Tobacco on Trial

Kueper

Tobacco on Trial > Cases > Second Wave: 1985-1994 > Kueper

Charles Kueper
v R.J. Reynolds, Tobacco Institute

Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, Illinois
The Honorable James K. Donovan presiding

Verdict for the Defendant

Charles Kueper brought an individual personal injury suit against R.J. Reynolds and the Tobacco Institute. A thirteen week trial resulted in a unanimous verdict for the defendant.

Plaintiff attorney: Bruce N. Cook
Defendant attorney: Paul Crist for R.J. Reynolds.

Timeline

  • 1993 – January 29: Jury rules for Defendant

See New York Times story.

  • 1994 – September 1: Judge also rules for Defendant

“Circuit court Judge Donovan of Illinois found in favor of the tobacco companies, namely R.J. Reynolds, a unit of R.J.R. Nabiso, upholding the previous jury decision. In the final issue of the Kueper case, Judge Donovan found no evidence to support the plaintiff’s claim of intentional fraud, conspiracy and misrepresentation on the part of the tobacco companies.”