In re Sedco, Inc.
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
543 F. Supp. 561 (1982)
- Written by David Bloom, JD
Facts
A major oil-well disaster off the coast of Mexico caused damages in the United States, resulting in complex litigation involving many claims against multiple parties. One of the parties sued by Sedco, Inc. (plaintiff) in federal court was Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) (defendant), an agency of the Mexican government responsible for exploring and developing Mexico’s hydrocarbon resources. Pemex’s governing council consisted of presidential appointees and made decisions intended to advance Mexico’s national policy regarding its natural resources. When this disaster occurred, Pemex performed discretionary functions as Mexico’s national oil company in furtherance of its legal mandate to explore for natural resources in Mexico’s territorial waters. Pemex moved to dismiss all claims against it, arguing that it was entitled to immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (O’Connor, J.)
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