Supreme Court Halts Purdue Pharma: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted a countrywide settlement arrangement involving OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, changing the law. The Biden administration’s request delayed the arrangement, which was meant to assist the Sackler family, who control the firm, in avoiding opioid-related legal issues. Later this year, the court will also evaluate the agreement’s legitimacy.
Purdue Pharma will rebrand and utilize its profits to fight the nation’s drug problem. The Sackler family agreed to donate up to $6 billion. The stipulation that the Sackler family cannot be sued is contentious. This section has been scrutinized.
The Justice Department, which controls the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, opposes Sackler family evasion. The law debates whether bankruptcy may protect all drug addicts from legal repercussions inflicted by others.
After the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals accepted the reorganization plan, it’s still being determined what will happen now that the Supreme Court is involved. Purdue Pharma employees and other signatories first asked the Supreme Court to stay out. The corporation was disappointed that the U.S. Trustee’s participation delayed their Plan of Reorganization, even if it was lawful.
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Ed Neiger, a narcotics lawyer who would gain from the accord, was conflicted. Even though he was unhappy about waiting for his money, he believed the court looked out the matter quickly. This demonstrated the urgency of solving the issue.
Another group, composed mainly of parents who lost children to drug overdoses, has been vocal about opposing the compensation package.
Drugs kill around 70,000 Americans annually. Fentanyl production and distribution lowers this amount. OxyContin use increased in the early 2000s, worsening the situation.
This court case shows how tough and important drug control is. The judicial system determines accountability and justice for victims and their families.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did the Supreme Court block the Purdue Pharma settlement?
The court decided that the legal claims against Purdue were closely connected to claims against its owners. Allowing lawsuits to target the Sacklers would interfere with Purdue’s efforts to reach a bankruptcy settlement.
Did the Supreme Court block $6 billion opioid settlement that would have given the Sackler family immunity?
Purdue Pharma, under the ownership of the late brothers Mortimer and Raymond Sackler’s families, insists on a $6 billion settlement that includes immunity for family members. However, the US Trustee claims this demand is unprecedented.
What is the Supreme Court case on OxyContin?
The court is set to make a ruling on Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, 22-859, in the coming months. On Monday, the Supreme Court grappled with a plan for a nationwide agreement with Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin. This deal would protect the Sackler family, who are the owners of the company, from facing civil legal action related to the impact of opioid use.
What was the outcome of the Purdue Pharma settlement?
Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a $6 billion settlement for their involvement in the deadly opioid crisis. The agreement was reached on November 23, 2023, as reported by Geoff Mulvihill and Mark Sherman of The Associated Press. This news was updated at 12:09 pm on the same day. It’s a significant development in the fight against the opioid epidemic that has claimed many lives across the nation. The settlement comes after years of legal battles and public outcry over the company’s contribution to the crisis.