Supreme Court Evaluates Controversial Opioid Settlement Shielding Sackler Family

The US Supreme Court heard arguments regarding a controversial settlement that would grant immunity to the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, from current and future civil lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. The agreement, which would provide billions of dollars to victims of the epidemic, has received overwhelming support from those who would bring civil suits against the Sacklers. Justices questioned why they should second guess the agreement when the majority of victims approve it. The fate of the settlement is of national importance as it determines whether the Sacklers can be held accountable in court. The Supreme Court's ruling remains uncertain.