AALS Hot Topic Program

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Session Type: AALS Hot Topic Programs

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC

Room: University of DC Room

Floor: Level M1

This panel will explore the Supreme Court’s grant of certiorari in the Purdue bankruptcy case (Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P.). The case carries important consequences for public health, bankruptcy law, tort law, and accountability for the Sackler family, who, experts believe, ignited the opioid crisis. The bankruptcy plan gives “third-party releases” to the Sackler family. Therefore, although they did not declare bankruptcy, they will receive permanent civil immunity for claims related to the opioid crisis. Public health experts are divided. Meanwhile, bankruptcy law professors have noted that bankruptcy courts have increasingly been a refuge against tort liability. The panel will explore these and other themes.