Tobacco

cigarette butts

Law has played a key role in mitigating the harmful health effects of tobacco use. For example, state and local clean indoor air laws have been critical in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Litigation against tobacco manufacturers has led to landmark decisions with far-reaching public health implications. Center faculty study and assess the use of law as a tool to promote these and other tobacco control efforts.

Selected Publications:

  • Spires M, Rutkow L, Feldhaus I, Cohen JE. The World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework and international human rights treaties: an opportunity to promote global tobacco control. Public Health. 2014;128(7):665-667.
  • Rutkow L, Vernick JS, Tung GJ, Cohen JE. Creating smoke-free places through the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Am J Public Health. 2013;103(10):1748-1753.
  • Rutkow L, Teret SP. The potential for state Attorneys General to promote the public’s health: theory, evidence, and practice. St. Louis Univ Public Law Rev. 2011;30:267-300.
  • Vernick JS, Rutkow L, Teret SP. Public health benefits of recent litigation against the tobacco industry. JAMA. 2007;298(1):86-89.
  • Rutkow L, Vernick JS, Teret SP. Banning second-hand smoke in indoor public places under the Americans with Disabilities Act: a legal and public health imperative. Connecticut Law Rev. 2007;40:409-458.