The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the liability of the OxyContin maker, Purdue Pharma, in the United States’ opioid crisis. The High Court heard a challenge today from the Justice Department to a six-billion-dollar settlement that Purdue Pharma agreed to last year.
The settlement would have allowed members of the Sackler family, who controlled the company, to escape future litigation as a result of the pharmaceutical giant’s role in the opioid epidemic, although they would have to forfeit $2 billion of their share of proceeds from a sale of the company.
However, the bankruptcy court decision that approved the settlement has been criticized by those who say it allows the Sackler family to shield themselves from legal accountability for their role in the opioid crisis. This is an important case because it will have implications for other companies that have been accused of contributing to the crisis.
U.S. Supreme Court’s Consideration
The U.S. Supreme Court considered the case after being asked to do so by President Biden, who was concerned about the Sackler family’s lack of legal accountability. President Biden argues that the bankruptcy court’s decision was wrong and that the Sackler family should be held liable for the pain and suffering they have caused.
The case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 8, 2023. In their arguments before the court, the Justice Department said that the bankruptcy court’s decision was “contrary to federal law” and that the Sackler family should not be able to use bankruptcy to shield themselves from liability.
On January 10, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the bankruptcy court’s decision was unconstitutional. In a 6-3 decision, the court found that the bankruptcy court could not allow the Sackler family to escape future litigation. The court also said that the Sackler family was not “insolvent” and therefore did not have to file for bankruptcy protection.
The court’s decision is a major victory for the Justice Department and the victims of the opioid crisis. It means that the Sackler family will now be held legally accountable for their role in the crisis.
Justice Department’s Position
The Justice Department has argued that the bankruptcy court’s decision was contrary to federal law and that the Sackler family should not be able to use bankruptcy to shield themselves from liability. The Justice Department has also argued that the Sackler family’s actions led to the opioid crisis and that they should be held responsible for the damage they have caused.
Purdue Pharma’s Position
Purdue Pharma has argued that the bankruptcy court’s decision was fair and that it should be allowed to stand. Purdue Pharma has also argued that it has apologized for its role in the opioid crisis and that it is committed to taking steps to prevent future crises.
The Verdict
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the bankruptcy court’s decision was unconstitutional and that the Sackler family should not be allowed to escape future litigation.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is a major victory for the Justice Department and the victims of the opioid crisis. It means that the Sackler family will now be held legally accountable for their role in the crisis.
Next Steps
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is a major step forward in the fight against the opioid crisis. However, there is still more work to be done. The Justice Department is continuing to investigate other companies that may have contributed to the crisis. And Congress is considering legislation that would hold drug companies accountable for their role in the crisis.
It is important to remember that the opioid crisis is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is a significant step forward in the fight for justice for the victims of the crisis.
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