A Florida court of appeals reversed a USD 40.8 million (EUR 31 million) punitive damage award against RJ Reynolds Tobacco, saying it was excessive, the Associated Press reported.

Ruling the punitive award “constitutionally excessive”, in a split decision announced 14 Feb, the 1st District Court of Appeals noted the widow of a deceased Florida smoker previously won USD 10.8 million in compensatory damages. RJ Reynolds was given the option of a new trial or accepting a reduction of the punitive damages made by a trial judge, the AP reported. The case number is RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co vs Townsend, 1D10-4585. (pi)