text: Court Panel Skeptical About Penalty Sought Against Tobacco &lt;b&gt;...&lt;/b&gt; A panel of federal appellate judges raised significant doubts yesterday about whether courts can order tobacco companies to forfeit \$280 billion in past profits if the government proves they engaged in civil fraud and conspiracy.
inputs: Court Panel Skeptical About Penalty Sought Against Tobacco &lt;b&gt;...&lt;/b&gt; A panel of federal appellate judges raised significant doubts yesterday about whether courts can order tobacco companies to forfeit \$280 billion in past profits if the government proves they engaged in civil fraud and conspiracy.