Minisymposium on Tobacco Litigation

Minisymposium on Tobacco Litigation

speakers are:

Allan Brandt, Harvard University;

Louis Kyriakoudes, University of Southern Mississippi;

and Robert Proctor, Stanford University.

Historians have become increasingly involved as expert witnesses in tobacco litigation, working especially on the side of the tobacco industry. As of 2005, more than 30 academic historians have witnessed for the industry, whereas only 3 have witnessed for the defense. Why has the tobacco industry found the testimony of historians so useful? How do historians defend the industry in court, and how does the testimony offered by plaintiffs differ from that offered by the defense?

The speakers in this program have all served as expert witnesses for the plaintiffs in tobacco litigation. They will talk about their experiences in court, and analyze how history gets twisted and/or played out in such trials--and why the tobacco industry has found the testimony of historians so useful. We'll also be talking about the ethical implications of such testimony, including implications for peer review, academic objectivity, and proper disclosure of interest. All are welcome, we hope to have some lively discussions!