Supreme Court Divided on Purdue Pharma's Controversial Opioid Settlement

The Supreme Court justices appeared divided over a controversial bankruptcy settlement for Purdue Pharma that would shield the wealthy Sackler family from civil lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic in exchange for billions of dollars to address the crisis. The U.S. Trustee Program challenged the deal, arguing that it violated federal law by granting the Sacklers wide-ranging legal immunity. The justices' questions reflected concerns about the practical effect of unraveling the settlement and the broader issue of whether the Sacklers should be released from liability. The decision could have implications for other mass-injury settlements. A ruling is expected by June.