Defending Lawsuits

Abstract Chapter 20 explores the strategic reasons why entities may challenge public health laws, and uses the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company v. FDA case to walk through the steps of a legal challenge to a public health law. The chapter also identifies the attorneys involved in defending public health laws on behalf of local, state, and federal government entities and explains how legal technical assistance from public health organizations can support their efforts. Finally, the chapter defines the role of amicus curiae briefs and how they may effectively contribute to the defense of public health laws and regulations.