NEXT UP: Not Watkins, but Welch, Australia’s Jeff Wigand
February 9, 2005 12:02 am by Gene BorioJudge Kessler barred the appearance of ex-Philip Morris scientist Dr. Michael Watkins’ today.
He was to testify concerning Philip Morris research on banded paper for fire-safe cigarettes, and on his allegedly related termination in 2002. His testimony was meant to demonstrate that the “enterprise” is likely to continue into the future, especially in Farone-like activities like destroying the results of adverse scientific research.
The Defense’s Ted Wells had averred that Philip Morris would counter Dr. Watkins’ claims with at least 2 witnesses in their entire testimonies, and 5 witnesses in parts of their testimonies.
Judge Kessler ruled that Dr. Watkins’ testimony at this point in the trial was largely irrelevant–fire-safe science never having come up before–and overly time-consuming. She expressed no excitement whatsoever for getting into the “coal drop-off” issue.
The DOJ’s Sharon Eubanks seemed frustrated, and said that Dr. Watkins’ testimony was to begin–and be the cornerstone of–the DOJ’s “suppression” portion of its case.
Judge Kessler allowed Dr. Watkins’ Written Direct Testimony into evidence, primarily for the Appeals Court’s review if needed.
Tomorrow we will have the video feed from Australia for John St. Vincent Welch, ex-CEO of the Tobacco Institute of Australia, who will testify primarily on the TIA’s “Document Retention Policy.”