Everyone knows cigarettes are dangerous and addictive, so why did a jury give such a large award to the family of a deceased man who started smoking when he was too young even to buy cigarettes legally?
A sentimental jury was swayed by a crooked lawyer or company of lawyers, in the process overlooking the most evident and obvious considerations. The jury has thought, “Poor innocent Mr. Johnson, victim of a large wicked company, let’s give his widow a fortune at the company’s expense.” The jury has combined the pleasure of being on the side of the small man with the pleasure of generosity for which they have personally to pay nothing.