US Supreme Court Rejects Purdue’s Multibillion-Dollar Opioid Pact

1. Supreme Court Ruling: The US Supreme Court rejected a $6 billion opioid settlement that would have shielded the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, from civil lawsuits related to the opioid crisis.
2. 5-4 Decision: The ruling was made with a 5-4 majority, led by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who emphasized that the bankruptcy code does not authorize the Sackler family's discharge from liability.
3. Impact on Opioid Crisis: The decision may hinder efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, as the settlement would have provided billions of dollars for treatment and prevention.
4. Sackler Family Liability: The ruling opens the Sackler family to potential future lawsuits, which could lead to increased financial exposure and potentially force them to negotiate better terms.
5. Broader Implications: The decision raises questions about bankruptcy laws and the liability of individuals in similar product liability disputes, potentially affecting future mass tort cases.
6. Reactions: Proponents of the settlement expressed disappointment, while opponents, including some victims and their families, praised the outcome as a step towards justice.