In COPD and Cancer Tobacco Trial, Defense Says Environment, Not Nicotine, Drove Smoker’s Habit

Walter Cofer, representing Philip Morris, tells jurors that Ed Caprio continued to smoke for years, and resumed smoking after quitting multiple times, because of environmental and behavioral triggers rather than nicotine addiction. Caprio is suing tobacco manufacturers R.J. Reynolds, Philip Morris, the Liggett Group, and Lorillard, claiming defendants’ cigarettes, and their conspiracy to hide smoking’s dangers, fueled Caprio’s addiction and caused his COPD and cancer.