Legal Resources for Tobacco Control Advocates Kerry Cork, Staff Attorney Tobacco Control Legal Consortium
What Does LAW Have to Do With It?
Power of Law in Tobacco Control 2004 article in British Medical Journal * Out of 10 major strategies for reducing smoking in population, 8 involve legal action Legislation, regulation or litigation * Jamrozik, K. (2004) ABC of Smoking Cessation. 328 BMJ
Lawyers?
On the other hand...
Common Legal Issues Preemption Authority to regulate
Common Legal Issues Constitutional challenges Equal Protection Substantive/Due Process Takings Privacy
Other Common Legal Issues Employment Housing Disability
Tobacco Law Centers California Minnesota Michigan Massachusetts New Jersey Maryland Ohio
National network of seven legal centers Helps advocates and officials strengthen tobacco control policies at local, state and national levels Coordinated and staffed by Minnesota legal center
Affiliated Legal Centers
Who We Serve Public health advocacy organizations and community coalitions Public health advocacy organizations and community coalitions Public health officials Public health officials Elected officials Elected officials City and county attorneys City and county attorneys Private attorneys and individual citizens Private attorneys and individual citizens
Legal Consortium: Technical Legal Assistance Field questions from around the country Conduct behind-the-scenes legal research and writing Interpret legal documents Prepare “friend of the court” briefs
Legal Technical Assistance Help in drafting legislation Provide policy / strategy consultations Locate legal resources, precedents and experts Train advocates and others on issues of recurring legal concern
Online Resources Wealth of useful information on websites Updates & overviews of key tobacco cases Current news & legislative briefings Pertinent academic literature Compilations of tobacco-related laws
Tracking TOBACCO Laws: A Minnesota Digest Clear explanation of Minnesota’s tobacco laws Explains relationship to federal laws, legal settlements Online version connects to the laws themselves
Legal Consortium: Educational Materials Legal synopses Research studies
Legal Consortium: Educational Materials Electronic newsletters E-blasts