Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast, Inc. v. United States — Stevens, J., dissenting

Summary

Justice Stevens dissents, arguing that although the Government breached the exploration lease by exceeding the 30-day approval deadline, restitution of the full investment is an excessive remedy. He concludes that damages for delay are appropriate because North Carolina's foreseeable objections would have blocked the project regardless of the Government's delay, meaning the breach was not material or total.