The Supreme Court kicked off its fall term today with oral arguments in Altria Group v. Good, a case that stems from a lawsuit filed by a group of Maine smokers claiming that light cigarette advertisements and packages contained false and deceptive information. Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, argued that since its marketing is consistent with federal cigarette labeling laws, the state suits have no business going forward. Legal Times reports that the Court seemed to agree:
Representing Altria was former Solicitor General Theodore Olson, who was arguing his 50th case before the Court. Olson appeared to convince the Court that the federal labeling law expressly

The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday over whether tobacco companies can be sued in state courts for deceptive advertising of "light" cigarettes.
Three smokers from Maine have accused Philip Morris of falsely marketing low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes as less harmful than regular brands. Parent company Altria says that it met federal requirements for warning labels about the health hazards of cigarettes and that the lawsuit should be thrown out under a federal labeling law that prohibits states from regulating cigarette advertising "based on smoking and health."
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The US Supreme Court is signaling that it may block lawsuits accusing cigarette companies of deceiving the public over the alleged safety of “light”

The public lines up outside the Supreme Court on the first Monday in October, the traditional start of the court�s term, when justices hear oral arguments.

People lining up Monday outside the Supreme Court, in Washington, to hear arguments on the first day of the court�s term. By ADAM LIPTAK WASHINGTON

Former solicitor general Theodore B. Olson, second from left, leaves the Supreme Court after morning statements. The court began another term yesterday.