Problem: Winston Cigars Incorporated manufactures cigars. You can't stand the smell of those disgusting sticks of tobacco. Winston knows that smoking cigars causes the teeth to turn yellow and that 25 percent of cigar smokers lose their teeth. Winston also includes a small amount of addictive substances in the cigars. Winston does not disclose any of these issues in advertisements. Discuss the legal and ethical issues related to Winston's conduct.
Q1. What are the ethical issues raised by Winston's omission of possible effects of using its products?
Q2. Are there state or federal laws that specifically require disclosure of the dangers of the use of tobacco products? If so, do these laws require disclosure of the specific effects listed in the scenario?
Q3. Advertising is considered "commercial speech;" does Winston have any protections here?