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A D.C. judge ruled today that tobacco companies will have to admit in advertisements that they lied to the public about the inherent dangers of smoking and took measures to make cigarettes more addictive, reports Reuters:

The ruling in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia aims to finalize the wording of the advertisements that the judge first ordered in 2006 after finding the companies violated federal racketeering law.

Tobacco companies fought a public admission of deception, calling it a violation of their free speech rights.

U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler rejected the companies’ position, finding that the final wording – which the companies and the U.S. Justice Department have fought over for years – is factual and not controversial.

There are five different statements that the companies will be required to advertise.

One of the statements will force tobacco companies to admit that they deceived consumers by claiming that low-tar and light cigarettes were less harmful. The statements would have to appear on television, in newspapers and on product packaging and retail display.

Tobacco Ruling