Closing arguments to start Monday in opioid trial

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday in Oklahoma’s case blaming consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries for the state’s opioid drug crisis.

A court spokesman said Thursday each side will be given two hours to make their arguments before Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman.

Court spokesman Bob Burke says Balkman is expected to take the case under advisement and that it could take at least a month to make his decision. Burke says the judge is expected to read his decision in open court.

Oklahoma alleges opioid drug makers caused a public nuisance in the state by aggressively promoting the highly addictive drugs. The company maintains it acted responsibly and that the state has failed to prove its case.