Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law Commons^™

So Long Sweetheart - State Farm Fire & (And) Casualty Co. V. Gandy Swings The Pendulum Further To The Right As The Latest In A Line Of Setbacks For Texas Plaintiffs., Timothy D. Howell

St. Mary's Law Journal

Some legal commentators would analogize the description of the prisoner of The Pit and the Pendulum to modern tort law and policy. Like a pendulum, tort law is always in motion, swinging between two ideologies: those being the plaintiff-oriented rights of the 1970s-80s, and the tort-reforms which began in the mid-80s. This trend continued until the 1990s and the decision of State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Gandy where Texas plaintiffs began experiencing setbacks. The Gandy decision likely curtails the use of the “sweetheart deal” a practice, in which an insured defendant first settles with the plaintiff, then assigns …

Doing Justice: A Challenge For Catholic Law Schools Essay., Grace M. Walle

St. Mary's Law Journal

The numerous allegations of misconduct against high-ranking United States political figures and the associated attorneys are disheartening, but even more disconcerting is the general public’s acquiescence to these ethical deviations. The common assumption that “all lawyers are crooks” fails to outrage anyone. The fact most, if not all, recent ethical violators attended law schools and began their political careers as lawyers prompts questions of the legal education process. Understanding what justice encompasses may begin in books and the classroom, but justice in legal practice requires far more. The aspiration of “doing justice” may stem from religious belief, but this goal …

Defining The Limits Of Federal Court Jurisdiction Over States In Bankruptcy Court., Patricia L. Barsalou

St. Mary's Law Journal

Sovereign immunity jurisprudence has always been a confusing jumble of assumptions which seem incomprehensible. Despite the confusion, understanding sovereign immunity has become more important in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Florida. The constitutional issues raised in Seminole Tribe amount to a reinterpretation of the fundamental balance of power between federal and state governments and the power of Congress to affect that balance. Not all sovereign immunity is sovereign immunity. Many courts use the term to identify both the common-law doctrine and the “immunity” granted to the states through the Eleventh …

The Food And Drug Administration's Final Rule On Tobacco Advertising Is All Butt Final: Commercial Speech Doctrine Will Be Tested Once More Under A Stricter Central Hudson Analysis In The Aftermath Of 44 Liquormart, Inc. V. Rhode Island Comment., Joe R. Hinojosa

St. Mary's Law Journal

In 1996 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) promulgated regulations affecting the advertising, sale, and promotion of tobacco. President Clinton supported the FDA’s claim it has the power to regulate tobacco products not as drugs, but as medical delivery devices of nicotine. Meaning tobacco sellers, retailer, distributors, and manufacturers would be subject to strict rules concerning how and where tobacco products may be advertised, distributed, and promoted. Despite the FDA’s claims, these measures were oriented toward discouraging children from smoking. Opponents of the regulations claim the restrictions constitute blatant infringement of commercial speech. The FDA argues that while advertising is …

Franklin S. Spears: A Proud Legacy To Texas Jurisprudence In Memoriam., James L. Branton

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Justice Franklin S. Spears: Unsung Hero Of Texas Justice In Memoriam., Thomas R. Phillips

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Justice Franklin S. Spears: A Son's Perspective On His Father In Memoriam., Carleton B. Spears

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

Professional Responsibility And The Litigator: A Comprehensive Guide To Texas Disciplinary Rules 3.01 Through 4.04., Barbara Hanson Nellermoe, Fidel Rodriguez Jr.

St. Mary's Law Journal

In 1991, the Texas Supreme Court addressed the issue of widespread discovery abuse. Technological advancements have brought new challenges to an attorney’s conduct in litigation and in the discovery process. The Texas Code of Professional Responsibility was repealed in 1990 and was replaced by Article 10, § 9 of the State Bar Rules (the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct). The Order of Adoption of the Texas Lawyer’ Creed states “the conduct of a lawyer should be characterized at all time by honest, candor, and fairness.” It is therefore mandatory for attorneys to refrain from engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, …

The Mutation Of Choice Recent Development., Kathleen A. Cassidy Goodman

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.

A Tortured Construction: The Illegal Immigration Reform And Immigrant Responsibility Act's Express Bar Denying Criminal Aliens Withholding Of Deportation Defies The Principles Of International Law Comment., Bobbie Marie Guerra

St. Mary's Law Journal

The United States has never fully complied with international agreements concerning refugee’s rights to not be returned to a country where he or she faces certain threats of torture. This lack of compliance by the United States is exacerbated by two conflicting interests: the growing insistence on keeping aliens outside the nation’s borders and protecting international refugees who endure gross violations of their human rights. The recent amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provide a contemporary example of the volatility and inconsistency of the United States’ immigration policy. In April 1996, Congress enacted the Antiterrorism and Effective Death …

Distinguishing Fong Yue Ting: Why The Inclusion Of Perjury As An Aggravated Felony Subjecting Legal Aliens To Deportation Under The Antiterrorism And Effective Death Penalty Act Violates The Eighth Amendment Comment., Gregory L. Ryan

St. Mary's Law Journal

Responding to the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City, Congress spent several months researching and discussing the best ways to strengthen the United States’ ability to deter and punish terrorism. In 1996, Congress sent a bill to the President designed to make the country safer, and President Clinton signed the bill into law: The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA). The AEDPA mandates a foreign national convicted of perjury be deported. Tucked away in the middle of the AEDPA, strict sanctions are imposed on noncitizens who commit perjury or subordination of perjury. In an attempt to strengthen the …

Anti-Immigrant Backlash And The Role Of The Judiciary: A Proposal For Heightened Review Of Federal Laws Affecting Immigrants Comment., Valerie L. Barth

St. Mary's Law Journal

The hostile environment in the United States toward immigrants, as indicated by the Welfare Reform Act and Proposition 187, calls for a more meaningful judicial review of laws affecting immigrants. Although subjecting the federal government’s actions regarding immigrants to heightened review might seem to be a radical step, this Comment will explain why such a move is necessary. Part II discusses historical justifications for subjecting state and federal laws affecting immigrants to different levels of scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause. Part III presents arguments for labeling immigrants a “suspect” class. Part IV considers the constitutionality of the Welfare Reform …

The Fourteenth Amendment And Title Ix: A Solution To Peer Sexual Harassment Comment., Connie C. Flores

St. Mary's Law Journal

Despite the high occurrence of sexual harassment in schools, many school officials, who are aware of the abuse, do nothing to prevent it. Yet, some officials are beginning to recognize peer abuse is not acceptable due to the detrimental effects on students. As a result, many schools have implemented successful programs to prevent peer harassment. Furthermore, when schools have not responded adequately to the problem, student victims have turned to the courts, suing schools for failure to ensure an environment free from discrimination. Although victims have had little success in taking these cases to court, constitutional and statutory provisions exist …

The U.S. Attorney: Fateful Powers Limited Essay., Tom Rickhoff

St. Mary's Law Journal

Nothing more separates the United States from some of history’s most ruthless and resourceful enemies, the Mexican drug syndicates, than an intermittent trickle of water. In spite of this crisis, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has languished without a presidentially-appointed leader since the Branch Davidian nightmare. Considering the historical influence of the U.S. Attorney’s office, the current situation in the Western District of Texas is somewhat surprising. At one time, U.S. Attorneys exercised almost total discretion as to how the federal government impacted the lives of the powerful as well as the powerless. One of the primary obstacles in restoring effective …

Of Ivory Columns And Glass Ceilings: The Impact Of The Supreme Court Of The United States On The Practice Of Women Attorneys In Law Firms Comment., Nancy L. Farrer

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Commentary examines the effect United States Supreme Court decisions on sex discrimination in the legal profession. Discrimination against women currently appears to be alive and well in the legal field. Decisions like Bradwell v. Illinois and In re Lockwood frustrated women attorneys for over a century, allowing states to determine women were unfit for occupations in areas like law. Hishon v. King & Spalding, and later, Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, applied Title VII protections to evaluations of potential law firm partners—a process previously closed and unassailable for most of the history of the legal profession. More recently, Harris v. …

The Antiterrorism Act, The Immigration Reform Act, And Ideological Regulation In The Immigration Laws: Important Lessons For Citizens And Noncitizens., Kevin R. Johnson

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Article analyzes how the Antiterrorism Act and the Immigration Reform Act reflect a larger historical dynamic in the relationship between domestic subordination and immigration law. The U.S. government historically employed immigration laws in an effort to protect the established political and social order. History reveals a strong correlation between the severe treatment politically subversive U.S. citizens received and the constriction of the immigration laws. This Article argues the lack of constitutional protections for noncitizens helps to explain the recurrent backlash against them. The treatment of noncitizens suggests how far the government might go to suppress domestic political dissent by …

Title Iii Of The Violence Against Women Act: The Answer To Domestic Violence Or A Constitutional Time-Bomb Comment., Yvette J. Mabbun

St. Mary's Law Journal

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was enacted in 1994 to combat the growing and widespread epidemic of domestic violence. Congressional committees assigned to study this epidemic found that violent attacks by men topped the list of dangers to an American woman’s health. In an attempt to raise society’s awareness of the problem of violence against women and to ameliorate the victimization of women, Congress enacted VAWA. Specifically, Title III of VAWA establishes a federal civil right for victims of violent, gender-motivated crimes. These provide victims with either injunctive or monetary compensation. Consequently, there have been questions about the constitutionality …

The Lessee's Right Of Free Use Of Produced Substances: New Wine In Old Bottles, John S. Lowe

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

The move in the United States to restructure the electric power industry will present the oil and gas industry with synergistic opportunities that have been widely discussed in the trade press. The commentary has focused, however, upon competition in the public utility industry and the effects of the wave of mergers that increased competition is likely to cause.

This paper will explore an incidental benefit presented to oil and gas producers by the increased flexibility of electric distribution companies - the possibility that oil or gas produced from a property can be traded, royalty free, for electricity or other services, …

Protecting Profits Derived From Tribal Resources: Why The State Of Utah Should Not Have The Power To Tax Non-Indian Oil And Gas Lessees On The Navajo Nation's Aneth Extension: Texaco, Exxon, And Union Oil V. San Juan County School District--A Case Study, Richard J. Ansson Jr.

American Indian Law Review

No abstract provided.

Introduction, Leo M. Romero

Natural Resources Journal

No abstract provided.

A Tale Of Two Owners: Real Property Co-Ownership And Mineral Developments, Marla Mansfield

Articles, Chapters in Books and Other Contributions to Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Appeal No. 0590: Lomak Petroleum, Inc. V. Donald L. Mason, Chief, Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 96-186

Appeal No. 0592: The Clinton Oil Co. V. Donald L. Mason, Chief, Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Notice of Violation 21965

Resource Law Notes Newsletter, No. 38, Fall Issue, Aug. 1996, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Resource Law Notes: The Newsletter of the Natural Resources Law Center (1984-2002)

No abstract provided.

Environmental Justice And Native Americans: The Mescalero Apache And Monitored Retrievable Storage, Kristin Shrader-Frechette

Natural Resources Journal

No abstract provided.

Appeal No. 0586: Gary Carlton, Dba Shane Oil V. Donald L. Mason, Chief, Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 96-130

Appeal No. 0585: Bt Energy Corporation (Halwell Co.) V. Donald L. Mason, Chief, Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 96-124

Appeal No. 0487: Lake Underground Storage V. Donald L. Mason, Chief Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 91-535

Appeal No. 0566: Hanley E. Hardin V. Donald L. Mason, Chief, Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 95-30

Appeal No. 0485: Kilbarger Construction, Inc. V. Donald L. Mason, Chief Division Of Oil & Gas, Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources, Ohio Oil & Gas Board Of Review

Ohio Oil & Gas Commission Decisions

Chief's Order 91-518