FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co.
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co. and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co..
The Supreme Court addressed whether retailers who would sell a new tobacco product, if not for the FDA's denial order, may seek judicial review under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The Court determined that the phrase 'any person adversely affected' includes retailers, allowing them to challenge the FDA's order. This decision affirms the Fifth Circuit's ruling that venue was proper.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co..
The Court held that retailers who would sell a new tobacco product if not for the FDA's denial order may seek judicial review under § 387l(a)(1).
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co.. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Administrative Law is relevant to FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co.
The case involves the interpretation of statutory language regarding who is 'adversely affected' and has standing to seek judicial review of an FDA order, which is a core issue of administrative law.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)To invoke a statutory cause of action, a plaintiff must be within the 'zone of interests' that the statute protects.
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Why Standing is relevant to FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co.
The Court's decision hinges on whether retailers have standing to challenge the FDA's denial order, a key component of standing doctrine.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Retailers who would sell a new tobacco product if not for the FDA's denial order may seek judicial review of that order under § 387l(a)(1).
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co.
The case centers on the right to seek judicial review of an FDA denial order, which is a fundamental aspect of judicial review.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Echoing the APA, the TCA provides that 'any person adversely affected by [the FDA's] denial' may petition for judicial review.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in FDA v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co. that support the summary and concepts above.
"Retailers who would sell a new tobacco product if not for the FDA's denial order may seek judicial review of that order under § 387l(a)(1)."
"The retailers fit the bill. If the FDA denies an application, the retailers lose the opportunity to profit from the sale of the new tobacco product."
"Congress's use of 'any' suggests that a denial order can adversely affect multiple persons."
