Judge rules drugmakers must face trial over opioids

News Stories - September 5, 2019

Questions

1. Match the following words from the article with their definitions:

a) liable e) malicious

b) claims f) collaborative

c) allegations g) manipulate

d) conspiracy h) distributor

_____ to influence or control someone or something to your advantage, often without anyone knowing it

_____ an assertion of fact that one intends to prove at trial

_____ intending to cause harm

_____ legally responsible for something

_____ a person or business who gives out or sells goods or services to customers or other businesses

_____ a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful

_____ involving two or more people/groups working together for a special purpose

_____ a legal assertion; a legal demand

2. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. (In this article, 1st and 2nd paragraphs). List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

3. How many cities/counties have brought the suit against the makers (pharmaceutical companies) and distributors (pharmacies) of opioids?

4. What accusations have these local governments made against the companies? Be specific.

5. What damages are the city/county governments seeking?

6. How have the companies responded to the accusations against them?

7. Consider the evidence submitted against the companies cited by the judge in his decision. Consider Purdue’s offer. What do you think? Should the local governments settle? Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE: On what grounds did the judge deny the companies’ request to throw out the lawsuit? What evidence did he note in his ruling? Be specific.