This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Hazelwood (D) ran his ship aground off Bligh Reef and reported he was evidently leaking some oil. Eventually, 11 million gallons poured into Prince William Sound. D was convicted of a negligent discharge of oil. The court of appeals reversed; D should have been tried under criminal negligence rather than civil negligence.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.