Federal Judge Says Tobacco Companies Don’t Have to Use Graphic Warning Labels Until Courts Rule

Nixing, at least for now, new Food and Drug Administration rules that would have required tobacco companies to put graphic warning labels prominently on cigarette packages, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., has issued a temporary restraining order.

Judge Richard Leon said the plaintiffs likely would prevail in their First Amendment challenge to the labels, Reuters reports.

He also said the FDA regulations should be tested in the courts before the companies are required to comply with them.

The Washington Post provides a copy of the opinion (PDF) he issued today.