News Roundup

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that drug overdose deaths in the U.S. declined significantly in 2024 as compared to 2023, reaching their lowest levels since 2019. Experts from the CDC state that increased funding from Congress has enhanced their ability to collect and analyze data, which in turn has allowed for more targeted and effective prevention efforts. Deaths from fentanyl fell by approximately 37%, while deaths from cocaine and psychostimulants also declined significantly. The declines were consistent across virtually all geographic regions. Some experts attribute the changing trend to wider availability of the overdose-reversal drug naloxone as well as stepped-up treatment. Others contend the decline stems more from fewer people getting addicted in the first place. Despite the encouraging news, drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 18 and 44. Read on for more criminal law news. Opioid litigation continues. Relatedly, in the wake of surging overdose deaths, thousands of state and local governments have sued various companies involved in the distribution of opioids nationwide. The lawsuits rely on a theory that the companies created a public nuisance. Many of the lawsuits have settled, but some have gone to trial, to mixed results. Recently, a federal district court judge in West Virginia ruled that public nuisance law should only apply in cases involving public property or resources, and that the theory is not applicable to the marketing and sale of opioids. On appeal, the 4th U.S. Circuit [...]