The justices had roughly 2,000 appeals before them at their private conference last week. They accepted 10 for argument over the next year. Hundreds of others will be formally turned down when the justices convene in their marble courtroom at 10 a.m.

The first case to be argued is a dispute over whether federal regulation of cigarettes prevents smokers from suing tobacco companies under state law for allegedly deceptive advertising of "light" cigarettes.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Supreme Court opens a new term Monday. The first order of business is expected to be the denials of hundreds of appeals, followed by arguments over limits on lawsuits against tobacco companies.

The justices had roughly 2,000 appeals before them at their private conference last week. They accepted 10 for argument over the next year. Hundreds of others will be formally turned down when the justices convene in their marble courtroom at 10 a.m.

The first case to be argued is a dispute over whether federal regulation of cigarettes prevents smokers from suing tobacco companies under state law for allegedly deceptive advertising of "light" cigarettes.