This seminar will address risks associated with petroleum and energy resource development in the United States and in other countries. The study of petroleum law offers students a unique opportunity to study law in the context of a specific industry, energy, and a subject matter that includes three of the largest traded and most strategically important commodities: oil, natural gas, including LNG, and natural gas liquids. The initial readings and the first several seminar sessions will examine basic principles of both domestic and international petroleum law, some of the more important contracts used in the petroleum sector, financial matters, and environmental issues. The primary object is for each student to write a 25-35 page paper with over 120 footnotes and with over 30 sources on an approved topic related to petroleum or other energy resources. Students must select an approved topic within the first two weeks, and thereafter prepare an outline, a first draft, and a final draft. The final draft is due on the last day of final examinations. Suggested research topics will be provided, but students will be allowed to select their own research topics, subject to instructor approval. Students will prepare and present a 20-minute presentation for class. Student presentations will occur during the last several weeks of the course. The paper will count 80%, the presentation will count 10%, and class participation (including attendance) will count 10%. The class is reserved to 10 JD students and 5 LLM students. There are no prerequisites for this seminar. Readings will be somewhat individualized for students: students who have a copy of Anderson, Weaver et al., International Petroleum Law and Transactions (RMMLF [FNREL] 2020), will be assigned readings from that book. Students who have a copy of Lowe, Anderson et al. Cases and Materials on Oil and Gas Law (West Academic 8th 2022), will be assigned readings from that book. Students who have neither book should purchase one of these two books, as they may choose.
Textbooks ( * denotes required )
Cases And Materials On Oil And Gas Law 8th(optional)
Anderson, Owen L. 