WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that will protect members of the Sackler household who personal the corporate from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids.

The justices agreed to a request from the Biden administration to place the brakes on an settlement reached final 12 months with state and native governments. In addition, the excessive courtroom will hear arguments earlier than the top of the 12 months over whether or not the settlement can proceed.

The deal would enable the corporate to emerge from chapter as a unique entity, with its income used to struggle the opioid epidemic. Members of the Sackler household would contribute as much as $6 billion.

But a key element of the settlement would protect relations, who should not in search of chapter safety as people, from lawsuits.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, represented by the Justice Department, opposes releasing the Sackler household from authorized legal responsibility.

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