Miss. Judge Vacates $322 Million Asbestos Verdict

RALEIGH, Miss. -- A Mississippi trial judge has vacated a $322 million asbestos verdict and all rulings and orders that were issued by the presiding trial judge, whose recusal was recently ordered by the Mississippi Supreme Court. Brown v. Phillips 66 Co., et al., No. 2006-196 (Miss. Cir. Ct., Smith Cty.).

On Dec. 22, Special Judge William F. Coleman of the Mississippi Circuit Court for Smith County granted a defense motion to vacate the verdict and rulings of Judge Eddie H. Bowen, whose impartiality was found to be in doubt by the high court.

In October, the high court ordered …