Legal Definitions - obstruction

Obstruction refers to anything that blocks, hinders, or makes something more difficult to do or achieve. It can also describe the act of intentionally creating such a block or hindrance, thereby interfering with a process, activity, or outcome.

In a legal context, obstruction often implies an intentional act to impede a legal process, investigation, or the exercise of a right. A common legal application is "obstruction of justice," which involves interfering with legal proceedings or investigations. There is also a specific application in oil and gas law related to lease agreements.

• Example 1 (General Interference): A city council is holding a public meeting to discuss a new zoning proposal. During the meeting, a group of protestors repeatedly shouts over the speakers, making it impossible for the council members or other attendees to hear the presentations or engage in orderly discussion.

  Explanation: The protestors' actions constitute an obstruction because they are actively hindering the orderly conduct of the public meeting, preventing the council and public from participating effectively in the discussion.

• Example 2 (Obstruction of Justice): A police officer is attempting to question a suspect about a crime. A bystander, who is a friend of the suspect, intentionally stands between the officer and the suspect, loudly distracting the officer and urging the suspect not to answer any questions, making it difficult for the officer to conduct the interview.

  Explanation: The bystander's actions could be considered obstruction of justice because they are deliberately interfering with a law enforcement officer's official duties to investigate a crime, hindering the administration of justice.

• Example 3 (Oil & Gas Lease): A property owner leases their land to an energy company for five years, granting the company the right to drill for natural gas. Two years into the lease, the property owner decides they want to build a new barn on the exact spot where the energy company plans to drill its next well, and they begin construction, effectively blocking the company's planned operations.

  Explanation: In oil and gas law, this action by the property owner (the lessor) would be considered an obstruction. Such interference with the rights granted under the lease would typically suspend the running of the lease's time period or extend the lease for a reasonable duration, ensuring the energy company (the lessee) still has the opportunity to exercise its drilling rights once the obstruction is resolved.