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• Philip Morris Not Liable for `Civil Assault,' U.S. Panel Rules 

A three-judge federal appeals court panel ruled that Philip Morris Cos., the world's largest cigarette company, did not commit civil assault by selling addictive products.

Jo Harris was among a group of plaintiffs who accused Philip Morris in Texas federal court of assault, alleging the company caused them psychological and physical harm by making and selling cigarettes that result in nicotine addiction.

A U.S. District Court in Southern Texas had sided with the tobacco company, saying Texas law protects makers of ``inherently unsafe'' goods from product liability lawsuits.

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans agreed, noting, ``This court has rejected nearly identical arguments

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