Judges Weigh Claims of Intentional Lead Contamination in Jackson

A federal appeals court is wrestling with the fate of litigation over lead-contaminated drinking water in Jackson, Mississippi.

Fifteen judges on the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard arguments en banc Tuesday on whether the case should proceed. Residents allege that city officials deliberately acted to allow lead contamination in the drinking water, harming those who consumed it. Jackson has denied those allegations.

The case should proceed to discovery in order to show what officials knew and when, said some members of the court, including Judges Stephen Higginson and Catharina Haynes.

Mark Chalos, a lawyer with Lieff ...