Both Sides Rest in Warrick v. R.J. Reynolds

The final witness in Warrick v. R.J. Reynolds was Dr. Jill Hayes, Ph.D., who was offered by the defense as an expert in addiction. According to Dr. Hayes, cigarette smokers can quit smoking even if addicted, and having difficulty quitting a behavior does not necessarily indicate an addiction, just as people dieting want to lose weight, but may eat too much anyway.

Plaintiff attorney Eric Block, in a lengthy cross-examination duel, challenged Dr. Hayes to disagree with the Surgeon General's and DSM-IV 305.1's characterizations of nicotine dependence, which she did, in part.

The defense then showed a series of news and public service announcements from the 1950s through the 1980s to demonstrate public awareness of the hazards of smoking.

The court remained in session late to complete the presentation of evidence, so that closings could begin on Monday.

CVN is webcasting the Warrick trial live, gavel-to-gavel.