A recent verdict that awarded $81 million to a smoker’s family was met with surprise by Iowa State officials and students.

Jesse Williams, an Oregon man who smoked three packs a day, died in 1997, five months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Last Tuesday, a jury found Philip Morris, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, partially liable for Williams’ death.

Randy Mayer, interim supervisor for Prevention, Education and Outreach at the Student Health Center, said getting a guilty verdict against a tobacco company had not been possible for many years.

“I think what it does is signal the change in the thinking of people of who is liable and if we’ve been duped as a society,” he said. “From a public health viewpoint, we have a responsibility as a society to expect companies to make safe products for us to use.”

Todd Sandler, distinguished professor of economics and political science, said individuals also must take responsibility for their actions.

“When those actions go against something we know is wrong, we should bear some responsibility,” he said.

One of the arguments against Philip Morris during the trial was that Williams did not believe Philip Morris would sell a product it knows is harmful.

Sandler is not convinced by this argument.

“It’s fairly hard to believe that someone would be that naive,” he said. “The surgeon general puts warnings on the packages.”

Becky Hart, sophomore in art and design and an “off-and-on” smoker, also was surprised by the verdict.

“I think everyone is aware of the risks involved,” she said. “I think there is a danger.”

Kyle Patneau, freshman in pre-architecture and a smoker, said Williams should be held responsible for his actions.

“You choose to do it. When you buy cigarettes, you’re accepting the risk,” he said.

Some concern has been expressed about the effect the trial will have on the stock market. Philip Morris’ stock dropped the day after the verdict was announced.

Sandler said the verdict and what happens on appeal will affect tobacco companies’ stock, but it will not have an overall effect on America’s economy.

“One thing that keeps stock prices down [for tobacco companies] is the worry that liabilities like this will occur,” he said. “It will spill over onto other tobacco companies’ stock prices.”

However, Sandler did not think the verdict would have “a huge, lasting effect” on the tobacco industry.

Mayer hopes that the case will bring about change.

“I hope it will change the way companies who make products like tobacco think about how they market their products and the type of products they do make,” he said.