21.   His proposal to limit punitive damage awards generated a swift response from the California Trial Lawyers Association.

22.   However it would also ban class-action lawsuits against the industry and punitive damage suits.

23.   Huge punitive damage awards, for example, have become everyday events, right?

24.   In return, the tobacco companies would win immunity from most lawsuits and freedom from punitive damage awards for past behavior.

25.   In the first fallout from that decision, the Supreme Court today ordered reconsideration of four punitive damage judgments that had been pending at the high court.

26.   In return, the agreement proposed giving cigarette makers protection against class-action lawsuits and immunity from punitive damage awards for past misconduct.

27.   In return, the cigarette makers would restrain their advertising and marketing and pay a large sum to settle punitive damage claims based on past industry practices.

28.   In the spirit of compromise, the companies and their opponents tossed ideas back and forth on how to give the cigarette companies protection from punitive damage awards.

29.   It is also possible the punitive damage award will be set aside.

30.   Jeff Anderson, an attorney for the Howards, said the large punitive damage award should impel the church to take allegations of abuse more seriously.