Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general on Apr. 2 in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, a case concerning whether federal law should override state claims against pesticide manufacturers.
The coalition is urging the Supreme Court to uphold state laws that allow individuals harmed by pesticides to seek justice through court action. These laws, they argue, are vital for protecting consumers and ensuring companies provide adequate warnings about health risks associated with their products.
“Limiting the ability of injured consumers to seek justice through the court system is un-American and only rewards large corporations for failing to warn the public about the potential dangers of their products,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for the rights of consumers to pursue justice under the law.”
Monsanto v. Durnell focuses on whether federal approval of pesticides like Roundup prevents states from allowing lawsuits alleging failure to warn about cancer risks linked to such products. The company argues that federal approval should preclude these state claims, while Raoul and his colleagues say Congress did not intend for federal law to eliminate protections provided by state tort law.
Raoul’s office has a record of advocating for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors, according to the official website. The Illinois Attorney General also handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, and offers services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud and civil rights issues according to its official website.
Additionally, efforts extend across Illinois with partnerships involving law enforcement agencies aimed at supporting crime victims and promoting open government according to its official website. The office aims broadly at protecting consumers, promoting safer communities, and advocating on environmental matters as well as other rights issues according to its official website.
Joining Raoul in this legal effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
