demand requirement (Delaware) · Go Syfert
← Delaware issues

demand requirement in Delaware

83 Delaware opinions name it 3 courts 1982–2026 30 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Delaware courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (58)

CaseFollowedCited
Aronson v. Lewisyellow
del · 1984 · cited in 37 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1987–2026
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2025Stated differently, if the demand rule requires deference to the prerogative of management, its invocation must advance management’s position, vis-a-vis, the claims in question, otherwise, the rule serves no function.101 Built on Delaware’s board-centric foundation, Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. explains a company’s enunciated position on a derivative claim takes precedence over the Court’s Rule 23.1 assessment of the position the company might be able to take.102 In keeping with that precept, the Delaware Supreme Court held that “when a corporation chooses to state its position in r

2737
Rales v. Blasband Ex Rel. Easco Hand Tools, Inc.red
del · 1993 · cited in 16 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2014–2026
2 sentences

2025Tri-State Pension Fund v. Zuckerberg, 250 A.3d 862 , 876 (Del. Ch. 2020) [Zuckerberg I], aff’d, 262 A.3d 1034 (2021) [Zuckerberg II]. 21 Id. 22 Id. 23 Rales v. Blasband, 634 A.2d 927, 932 (Del. 1993). 24 Ct. Ch. R. 23.1(a)(1) (as amended Sept. 25, 2023). 10 A stockholder can satisfy the demand requirement by pleading that demand is futile.

2024R. 23.1(a); Rales v. Blasband, 634 A.2d 927 , 934-35 n.10 (Del. 1993) (encouraging pre-suit investigations to meet the demand requirement). 119 8 Del. C. § 327. 26 ownership requirement;120 adequacy standards;121 the threat of being Walmarted;122 and the risk of being derailed by a special litigation committee.123 Imagine if, after a stockholder successfully clears these hurdles and achieves total victory, a perpetrator of fiduciary misconduct could then hit “reset” through stockholder vote, as Defendants seek to do here?124 Suffice it to say, such a practice would eviscerate the deterrent eff

1116
Beam Ex Rel. M. Stewart Living v. Stewartgreen
del · 2004 · cited in 7 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2014–2020
2 sentences

2020Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. v. Stewart, 845 A.2d 1040, 1050 (Del. 2004) (finding that a purpose of the demand requirement is to deter suits “where there is only a suspicion expressed solely in conclusory terms”) (quoting Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207, 1217 (Del. 1996)). 11 conflict by a majority of the directors to consider the demand.”36 The demand futility test is highly dependent on the particularity of the facts alleged in the complaint.37 When a majority of directors at the time of the challenged conduct have been replaced, the demand futility test articulated in Rales v. Blas

2016Jan. 28, 2016) (TABLE). 46 Aronson v. Lewis, 473 A.2d 805, 812 (Del. 1984) (“[B]y promoting this form of alternate dispute resolution, rather than immediate recourse to litigation, the demand requirement is a recognition of the fundamental precept that directors manage the business and affairs of corporations.”), overruled on other grounds by Brehm v. Eisner, 746 A.2d 244 (Del. 2000). 47 See, e.g., Beam v. Stewart, 845 A.2d 1040, 1044 (Del. 2004). 48 Levine v. Smith, 1989 WL 150784 , at *5 (Del.

77
Braddock v. Zimmermangreen
del · 2006 · cited in 6 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2012–2026
2 sentences

2017McGinnis Plaintiff argues that McGinnis lacks the independence and disinterest necessary to consider a demand because (1) the HLSS acquisition was “critical for HLSS,” and thus he “would decline to pursue any corrective action that could diminish the benefits he previously secured for HLSS” as the former chairman of the HLSS board; (2) he would not want to undermine the “significant reputational benefits among his peers in the mortgage industry and among HLSS’s investors” he 102 Compl. ¶ 167. 103 For purposes of this Motion to Dismiss, Plaintiff and Defendants briefed the demand analysis based

2016Servs., Inc., 500 U.S. 90, 96-97 (1991) (“[T]he function of the demand doctrine in delimiting the respective powers of the individual shareholder and of the directors to control corporate litigation clearly is a matter of ‘substance,’ not ‘procedure,’”); Braddock v. Zimmerman, 906 A.2d 776, 784 (Del. 2006) (“The demand requirement of Rule 23.1 is a substantive right . . . .” (quotation marks omitted)); Ainscow, 180 A. at 615 (“The question of whether a stockholder may act as a volunteer in taking up the cudgels in behalf of his corporation . . . is one of his right and authority to act.”). 29

66
Brehm v. Eisnergreen
del · 2000 · cited in 20 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2010–2026
2 sentences

2025The demand requirement in Rule 23.1 “is a basic principle of corporate governance and is a matter of substantive law.” Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207, 1216 (Del. 1996) (internal quotation marks omitted), overruled on other grounds by Brehm v. Eisner, 746 A.2d 244 (Del. 2000).

2025Stated differently, if the demand rule requires deference to the prerogative of management, its invocation must advance management’s position, vis-a-vis, the claims in question, otherwise, the rule serves no function.101 Built on Delaware’s board-centric foundation, Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. explains a company’s enunciated position on a derivative claim takes precedence over the Court’s Rule 23.1 assessment of the position the company might be able to take.102 In keeping with that precept, the Delaware Supreme Court held that “when a corporation chooses to state its position in r

520
Kamen v. Kemper Financial Services, Inc.green
scotus · 1991 · cited in 10 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1993–2026
2 sentences

2026Servs., Inc., 500 U.S. 90 , 96-97 (1991) (holding that the demand requirement underlying Rule 23.1 is substantive, while the Rule 23.1 pleading requirement is procedural). 21 A. The Double Derivative Ownership Requirement The defendants first argue that because the Plaintiff Feeder Fund only holds a 48% interest in the Master Fund, the YWCA cannot assert double-derivative claims.

2020Servs., Inc., 500 U.S. 90 , 96-97 (1991) (holding that the demand requirement underlying Rule 23.1 is substantive, and the Rule 23.1 pleading requirement is procedural).

410
Grimes v. Donaldred
del · 1996 · cited in 6 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2019–2025
2 sentences

2025The demand requirement in Rule 23.1 “is a basic principle of corporate governance and is a matter of substantive law.” Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207, 1216 (Del. 1996) (internal quotation marks omitted), overruled on other grounds by Brehm v. Eisner, 746 A.2d 244 (Del. 2000).

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

46
Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.green
del · 1988 · cited in 5 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1990–2025
2 sentences

2025Stated differently, if the demand rule requires deference to the prerogative of management, its invocation must advance management’s position, vis-a-vis, the claims in question, otherwise, the rule serves no function.101 Built on Delaware’s board-centric foundation, Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. explains a company’s enunciated position on a derivative claim takes precedence over the Court’s Rule 23.1 assessment of the position the company might be able to take.102 In keeping with that precept, the Delaware Supreme Court held that “when a corporation chooses to state its position in r

2025Stated differently, if the demand rule requires deference to the prerogative of management, its invocation must advance management’s position, vis-a-vis, the claims in question, otherwise, the rule serves no function.101 Built on Delaware’s board-centric foundation, Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. explains a company’s enunciated position on a derivative claim takes precedence over the Court’s Rule 23.1 assessment of the position the company might be able to take.102 In keeping with that precept, the Delaware Supreme Court held that “when a corporation chooses to state its position in r

45
Zapata Corp. v. Maldonadogreen
del · 1981 · cited in 5 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1987–2019
2 sentences

2019Aug, 30, 2019) (citing Zapata, 430 A.2d at 786 ). 40 directors would be able to bring their business judgment to bear on behalf of the corporation, with respect to the litigation at issue.227 Employing an apt verb, Vice Chancellor Slights in In re Clovis Oncology, Inc. Litigation noted that “[t]o wrest control over the litigation asset away from the board of directors, the stockholder must demonstrate that demand on the board to pursue the claim would be futile such that the demand requirement should be excused.”228 Recognizing the import of such tussles to the course of derivative litigation,

2014Ch. 2000). 11 making a demand on the board to undertake a corrective action, or (ii) by demonstrating that such a demand on the board would be futile and, therefore, the plaintiff should be excused from having to make demand.24 Where the plaintiff fails to comply with the demand requirement and fails to plead with particularity why demand would be futile, the complaint will be dismissed.25 When considering a motion under Rule 23.1, “the court need not blindly accept as true all allegations, nor must it draw all inferences from them in plaintiffs‟ favor unless they are reasonable inferences.”26

35
Levine v. Smithred
del · 1991 · cited in 4 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1993–2025
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2021Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); 33 seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.” 93 Because derivative litigation impinges on the managerial freedom of directors in this way, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regard

34
In Re infoUSA, Inc. Shareholders Litigationgreen
delch · 2007 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2017–2025
2 sentences

2025In this case, therefore, the Zuckerberg analysis hinges on whether Plaintiff has stated a claim under Rule 12(b)(6) against the Demand Board members. “[T]he governing pleading standard in Delaware to survive a motion to dismiss is reasonable ‘conceivability.’”56 When considering such a motion, the court must 54 In re INFOUSA, Inc. S’holders Litig., 953 A.2d 963 , 989-90 (Del. Ch. 2007) (“Plaintiffs must show that a majority—or in a case where there are an even number of directors, exactly half—of the board was incapable of considering demand.”). 55 Plaintiff also raises first and third prong Z

2022In this case, therefore, the Zuckerberg analysis hinges on whether Plaintiff has adequately alleged its “Caremark claim.” A Caremark claim “seeks to hold directors accountable for the consequences of a corporate trauma.”85 To adequately allege such a claim, a plaintiff must allege that the 83 Id. 84 In re INFOUSA, Inc. S’holders Litig., 953 A.2d 963 , 989–90 (Del.

33
Haber v. Bellgreen
delch · 1983 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2014–2016
2 sentences

2016Where the plaintiff fails to comply with the demand requirement and fails to plead with particularity why a demand would be futile, the complaint will be dismissed.49 The Supreme Court in Aronson v. Lewis articulated a two-part test to show demand futility.50 The court must decide whether, given the particularized facts alleged, a ―reasonable doubt is created that: (1) the directors are disinterested and independent and (2) the challenged transaction was otherwise the product of a valid exercise of business judgment.‖51 In order to be disinterested, a director ―can neither appear on both sides

2014Ch. 2000). 11 making a demand on the board to undertake a corrective action, or (ii) by demonstrating that such a demand on the board would be futile and, therefore, the plaintiff should be excused from having to make demand.24 Where the plaintiff fails to comply with the demand requirement and fails to plead with particularity why demand would be futile, the complaint will be dismissed.25 When considering a motion under Rule 23.1, “the court need not blindly accept as true all allegations, nor must it draw all inferences from them in plaintiffs‟ favor unless they are reasonable inferences.”26

33
Ainscow v. Sanitary Co. of Americagreen
delch · 1935 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2012–2016
2 sentences

2016Servs., Inc., 500 U.S. 90, 96-97 (1991) (“[T]he function of the demand doctrine in delimiting the respective powers of the individual shareholder and of the directors to control corporate litigation clearly is a matter of ‘substance,’ not ‘procedure,’”); Braddock v. Zimmerman, 906 A.2d 776, 784 (Del. 2006) (“The demand requirement of Rule 23.1 is a substantive right . . . .” (quotation marks omitted)); Ainscow, 180 A. at 615 (“The question of whether a stockholder may act as a volunteer in taking up the cudgels in behalf of his corporation . . . is one of his right and authority to act.”). 29

2016Servs., Inc., 500 U.S. 90, 96-97 (1991) (“[T]he function of the demand doctrine in delimiting the respective powers of the individual shareholder and of the directors to control corporate litigation clearly is a matter of ‘substance,’ not ‘procedure,’”); Braddock v. Zimmerman, 906 A.2d 776, 784 (Del. 2006) (“The demand requirement of Rule 23.1 is a substantive right . . . .” (quotation marks omitted)); Ainscow, 180 A. at 615 (“The question of whether a stockholder may act as a volunteer in taking up the cudgels in behalf of his corporation . . . is one of his right and authority to act.”). 29

33
Grobow v. Perotred
del · 1988 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1992–2025
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2021Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); 33 seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.” 93 Because derivative litigation impinges on the managerial freedom of directors in this way, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regard

23
Spiegel v. Buntrockgreen
del · 1990 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1993–2019
2 sentences

2019First, by requiring exhaustion of intracorporate remedies, the demand requirement invokes a species of alternative dispute resolution procedure which might avoid litigation altogether.”); Spiegel, 571 A.2d at 773 (“The purpose of pre-suit demand is to assure that the stockholder affords the corporation the opportunity to address an alleged wrong without litigation . . . .”); Aronson, 473 A.2d at 811-12 (“[T]he demand requirement of . . .

2007The case law is clear that the demand requirement exists at the threshold of derivative litigation and that, when confronted with a derivative action, a board of directors cannot stand neutral, but "must affirmatively object to or support the continuation of the [derivative] litigation.” Spiegel v. Buntrock, 571 A.2d 767, 775 (Del.1990) (citing Kaplan v. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 540 A.2d 726, 731 (Del.1988)).

23
White v. Panicgreen
del · 2001 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2021–2026
2 sentences

2026Plan v. Baiera, 119 A.3d 44, 56 (Del. Ch. 2015) (“I accept as true Plaintiff’s particularized allegations of fact and draw all reasonable inferences that logically flow from those allegations in Plaintiff’s favor.” (citing White v. Panic, 783 A.2d 543, 549 (Del.2001))). 80 that the plaintiff plead facts with particularity, but also requiring that this Court draw all reasonable inferences in the plaintiff’s favor.”277 The demand analysis is conducted as to the board in place at the time that the claims at issue were “validly in litigation.”278 This rule protects representative plaintiffs by pre

2021This Court has articulated two tests to determine whether the demand requirement should be excused as futile: the Aronson test and the Rales test.104 The Aronson test applies where the complaint challenges a decision made by the same board that would consider a litigation demand.105 Under Aronson, demand is excused as futile if the complaint alleges particularized facts that raise a reasonable doubt that “(1) the directors are disinterested and independent[,] [or] (2) the challenged 102 Brehm, 746 A.2d at 254 . 103 See, e.g., White v. Panic, 783 A.2d 543, 549 (Del. 2001). 104 Aronson, 473 A.2d

22
United Food and Commercial Workers Union and Participating Food Industry Employers Tri-State Pension Fund v. Zuckerberggreen
delch · 2020 · cited in 5 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2022–2026
2 sentences

2026Tri-State Pension Fund v. Zuckerberg, 250 A.3d 862 , 876 (Del. Ch. 2020), aff’d, 262 A.3d 1034 (Del. 2021). 76 directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regarding the litigation.”257 The demand requirement is a substantive principle under Delaware law.258 Rule 23.1 is the “procedural embodiment” of the demand requirement.259 Under Rule 23.1, a derivative complaint must “state with particularity: . . . any effort by the derivative plaintiff to obtain the desired action f

2025Tri-State Pension Fund v. Zuckerberg, 250 A.3d 862 , 876 (Del. Ch. 2020) [Zuckerberg I], aff’d, 262 A.3d 1034 (2021) [Zuckerberg II]. 21 Id. 22 Id. 23 Rales v. Blasband, 634 A.2d 927, 932 (Del. 1993). 24 Ct. Ch. R. 23.1(a)(1) (as amended Sept. 25, 2023). 10 A stockholder can satisfy the demand requirement by pleading that demand is futile.

15
Scattered Corp. v. Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.red
del · 1997 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2021–2025
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2021Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); 33 seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.” 93 Because derivative litigation impinges on the managerial freedom of directors in this way, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regard

13
Pogostin v. Ricered
del · 1984 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2010–2025
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2021Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); 33 seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.” 93 Because derivative litigation impinges on the managerial freedom of directors in this way, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regard

13
Raab v. Villager Industries, Inc.green
del · 1976 · cited in 3 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2015–2016
2 sentences

2016The Delaware Supreme Court construed the objection requirement more liberally than the demand requirement because “[t]he purpose of the objection [was] of lesser importance than the demand for payment.” Raab v. Villager Indus., Inc., 355 A.2d 888, 891 (Del.1976).

2015The Delaware Supreme Court construed the objection requirement more liberally than the demand requirement because ―[t]he purpose of the objection [was] of lesser importance than the demand for payment.‖ Raab, 355 A.2d at 891 .

13
Teamsters Union 25 Health Services & Insurance Plan v. Gavin Baieragreen
delch · 2015 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2017–2026
2 sentences

2026Plan v. Baiera, 119 A.3d 44, 56 (Del. Ch. 2015) (“I accept as true Plaintiff’s particularized allegations of fact and draw all reasonable inferences that logically flow from those allegations in Plaintiff’s favor.” (citing White v. Panic, 783 A.2d 543, 549 (Del.2001))). 80 that the plaintiff plead facts with particularity, but also requiring that this Court draw all reasonable inferences in the plaintiff’s favor.”277 The demand analysis is conducted as to the board in place at the time that the claims at issue were “validly in litigation.”278 This rule protects representative plaintiffs by pre

2017Second, Plaintiff alleges that the decision of the New Residential board to terminate the Initial Merger Agreement and enter into the Acquisition Agreement and related transactions is not protected by the business judgment presumption because the “terms of the revised HLSS acquisition are ‘so egregious on [their] face’ that there is ‘a substantial likelihood of director liability.’” 125 “A simple allegation of potential directorial liability is insufficient to excuse demand, else the demand requirement itself would be rendered toothless, and directorial control over corporate litigation would

12
Heineman v. Datapoint Corp.green
del · 1992 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2021–2025
2 sentences

2025Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); Heineman v. Datapoint Corp., 611 A.2d 950 , 952 9 suit, a stockholder seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.”20 Because derivative litigation encroaches on the managerial freedom of directors, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the direct

2021Stock Exch., Inc., 701 A.2d 70 , 72-73 (Del. 1997); Grimes v. Donald, 673 A.2d 1207 , 1217 n.15 (Del. 1996); 33 seeks to displace the board’s authority over a litigation asset and assert the corporation’s claim.” 93 Because derivative litigation impinges on the managerial freedom of directors in this way, “a stockholder only can pursue a cause of action belonging to the corporation if (i) the stockholder demanded that the directors pursue the corporate claim and they wrongfully refused to do so or (ii) demand is excused because the directors are incapable of making an impartial decision regard

12
Drug, Inc. v. Huntgreen
del · 1933 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2023–2025
2 sentences

2025The purpose of the demand requirement, where it applies, “is simply to settle whether there has been a conversion or not.” Mastellone v. Argo Oil Corp., 82 A.2d 379, 384 (Del. 1951).198 The demand rule does not apply “when the alleged wrongful act is of such a nature, as to amount, in itself, to a denial of the rights of the real owner[.]” Drug, 168 A. at 94 ; see also Malca, 2021 WL 2044268 , at *5; Wayman Fire Prot., Inc. v. Premium Fire & Sec., LLC, 2014 WL 897223 , at *23 (Del. Ch. March 5, 2024).

2025The purpose of the demand requirement, where it applies, “is simply to settle whether there has been a conversion or not.” Mastellone v. Argo Oil Corp., 82 A.2d 379, 384 (Del. 1951).198 The demand rule does not apply “when the alleged wrongful act is of such a nature, as to amount, in itself, to a denial of the rights of the real owner[.]” Drug, 168 A. at 94 ; see also Malca, 2021 WL 2044268 , at *5; Wayman Fire Prot., Inc. v. Premium Fire & Sec., LLC, 2014 WL 897223 , at *23 (Del. Ch. March 5, 2024).

12
Dula v. Stategreen
del · 2017 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2020–2023
2 sentences

2023LEGAL ANALYSIS “Stockholders cannot shortcut the board’s control over the corporation’s litigation decisions without first complying with Court of Chancery Rule 23.1.”11 Rule 23.1 is the “procedural embodiment” of the demand requirement.12 Under Rule 23.1, a derivative plaintiff must plead with factual “particularity” its efforts (or lack thereof) to satisfy the demand requirement.13 This standard is “stringent[.]”14 Under Rule 23.1, a derivative plaintiff is entitled only to “reasonable inferences” that “logically flow from [the] particularized facts alleged . . . . [I]nferences that are not

2020A director is interested if, in this instance, she would face a substantial likelihood of personal liability for the conduct alleged in the complaint.41 Second, if any directors were interested, the court considers whether any other directors were not 36 City of Birmingham Ret. and Relief Sys., 177 A.3d at 55 . 37 See Rales, 634 A.2d at 933-34 . 38 Id.

12
In Re Citigroup Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigationgreen
delch · 2009 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2019–2021
2 sentences

2021Litig., 964 A.2d 106, 120 (Del.

2019“Under Delaware law, 96 Citigroup, 964 A.2d at 120 . 97 Aronson, 473 A.2d at 811 . 98 Id. at 812 . 99 Kaplan, 540 A.2d at 730 . 100 Citigroup, 964 A.2d at 120 (quoting Am.

12
Allison Ex Rel. General Motors Corp. v. General Motors Corp.green
ded · 1985 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1990–1993
2 sentences

1993Levine v. Smith, Del.Supr., 591 A.2d 194, 207 (1991) (demand requirement is not a mere formality of litigation, but rather an important stricture of substantive law); Tandycrafts, Inc. v. Initio Partners, Del .Supr., 562 A.2d 1162, 1166 (1989) (demand requirement is a stricture of substantive law); Allison v. General Motors, 604 F.Supp. 1106, 1115 (D.Del.1985), (demand requirement is a rule of substantive right), aff'd, 782 F.2d 1026 (3d Cir.1985); Kamen v. Kemper Financial Services, Inc., — U.S. -, -, 111 S.Ct. 1711, 1716-17 , 114 L.Ed.2d 152, 164 (1991) (the demand doctrine is a matter of su

1990Allison on Behalf of G.M.C. v. General Motors Corp., 604 F.Supp. at 1119 n. 12. 17 . "[Stotland] thus treats the demand requirement as an aspect of the allocation of managerial powers within the corporation.

12
Tandycrafts, Inc. v. Initio Partnersgreen
del · 1989 · cited in 2 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 1991–1993
2 sentences

1993Levine v. Smith, Del.Supr., 591 A.2d 194, 207 (1991) (demand requirement is not a mere formality of litigation, but rather an important stricture of substantive law); Tandycrafts, Inc. v. Initio Partners, Del .Supr., 562 A.2d 1162, 1166 (1989) (demand requirement is a stricture of substantive law); Allison v. General Motors, 604 F.Supp. 1106, 1115 (D.Del.1985), (demand requirement is a rule of substantive right), aff'd, 782 F.2d 1026 (3d Cir.1985); Kamen v. Kemper Financial Services, Inc., — U.S. -, -, 111 S.Ct. 1711, 1716-17 , 114 L.Ed.2d 152, 164 (1991) (the demand doctrine is a matter of su

1991The demand requirement is not a “mere formalit[y] of litigation,” but rather an important “stricture[] of substantive law.” Tandycrafts v. Initio Partners, 562 A.2d at 1166 .

12
Sagarra Inversiones, S.L. v. Cementos Portland Valderrivas, S.A.green
del · 2011 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
11
Harris v. Cartergreen
delch · 1990 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
11
Marchand II v. Barnhillgreen
del · 2019 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
11
Gotham Partners, L.P. v. Hallwood Realty Partners, L.P.green
del · 2002 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
Emerald Partners v. Berlingreen
del · 1999 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
Mastellone v. Argo Oil Corp.green
del · 1951 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
Garfield v. Allengreen
delch · 2022 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Silge v. Merzgreen
ca2 · 2007 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
In Re: El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. Derivative Litigationgreen
delch · 2014 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Weiss v. Swansongreen
delch · 2008 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. v. Rossongreen
del · 2021 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
In Re MeadWestvaco Stockholders Litigationgreen
delch · 2017 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
In Re Oracle Corp.green
delch · 2004 · cited in 1 Delaware opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Delaware. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (20)

CaseCitedYears
Guttman v. Huang green
delch · 2003
2 sentences

2025And to render a director interested under prong one of Zuckerberg, the benefit received from those sales must be “material.”41 It thus remains true that a director is not interested “whenever a derivative plaintiff cursorily alleges that he made sales of company stock 37 Defs.’ Opening Brief at 25-26; Defs.’ Reply Br. at 18-19 (citing Guttman, 823 A.2d 492 (Del. Ch. 2003)).

2024Defendants characterize the court’s holding in Guttman as a categorical rejection of “the notion that directors have a disabling ‘personal interest’ based on 51 Id. at 497 . 52 Id. at 502 . 53 Id. 54 Id. 18 stock sales alone.”55 And that is one fair reading of the case.

22024–2025
In re El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. Derivative Litigation green
delch · 2015
2 sentences

2021Derivative Litig., 132 A.3d 67 , 97-99 (Del. Ch. 2015) (describing Tooley’s treatment of the analysis in Bokat), rev’d on other grounds sub nom, El Paso Pipeline GP Co., L.L.C. v. Brinckerhoff, 152 A.3d 1248 (Del. 2016). 204 Tooley, 845 A.2d at 1033 . 205 Ryan v. Armstrong, 2017 WL 2062902 , at *10, *18 (Del. Ch. May 15, 2017) (dismissing a concededly derivative stockholder challenge to a defensive measure where the plaintiff failed to plead that a majority of the board was interested in the transaction and instead relied on “Unocal to get around the demand requirement”). 206 In re Ebix, Inc.

2016R. 23.1. 48 Id. 22 demand is excused.

22016–2021
Rubinstein v. Gonzalez green
ilnd · 2017
2 sentences

2018The demand requirement is an extension of the fundamental principle that “directors, rather than shareholders, manage the 50 Id. at 856 . 51 Compl. ¶¶ 131–36. 52 Id. ¶ 134. 12 business and affairs of the corporation.”53 Directors’ control over a corporation embraces the disposition of its assets, including its choses in action.

2018The demand requirement is an extension of the fundamental principle that “directors, rather than shareholders, manage the 50 Id. at 856 . 51 Compl. ¶¶ 131–36. 52 Id. ¶ 134. 12 business and affairs of the corporation.”53 Directors’ control over a corporation embraces the disposition of its assets, including its choses in action.

22018–2018
Lambrecht v. O'NEAL green
del · 2010
12026–2026
Orman v. Cullman green
delch · 2002
12024–2024
Tooley v. Donaldson, Lufkin, & Jenrette, Inc. green
del · 2004
12021–2021
El Paso Pipeline GP Company, LLC v. Brinckerhoff green
del · 2016
12021–2021
McElrath v. Kalanick green
del · 2020
12021–2021
Moran v. Household International, Inc. green
delch · 1985
12021–2021
Ryan v. Gursahaney neutral
del · 2015
12019–2019
Wood v. State green
del · 2015
12018–2018
Allen v. Encore Energy Partners, L.P. green
del · 2013
12015–2015
Burks v. Lasker green
scotus · 1979
12013–2013
McWane Cast Iron Pipe Corp. v. McDowell-Wellman Engineering Co. green
del · 1970
12010–2010
In re Kauffman Mutual Fund Actions green
scotus · 1973
12010–2010
In Re Kauffman Mutual Fund Actions (Joseph B. Kauffman, Petitioner) green
scotus · 1973
12010–2010
Allison on Behalf of General Motors Corp. v. General Motors Corp green
ca3 · 1985
11993–1993
Hawes v. Oakland green
scotus · 1882
11990–1990
Lewis v. Aronson green
delch · 1983
11984–1984
Daily Income Fund, Inc. v. Fox green
scotus · 1984
11984–1984

Statutes the citing opinions construe

DE § 8 Del. C. § 141 (42) DE § 8 Del. C. § 220 (19) CFR § 17c.f.r.240 (6) DE § 10 Del. C. § 8106 (5) DE § 6 Del. C. § 17-1003 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

DE 83 (1982–2026) TX 65 (1958–2025) NY 59 (1876–2026) CA 58 (1899–2026) IL 37 (1882–2024) NC 32 (1918–2026) MD 22 (1973–2026) LA 21 (1901–2025) MA 18 (1973–2025) MI 15 (1930–2018) AL 14 (1880–2011) IA 14 (1973–2026) PA 13 (1924–2025) FL 13 (1915–2022) OK 11 (1913–2026) OH 10 (1885–2017) ID 10 (1998–2026) GA 10 (1907–2025) NJ 9 (1935–2013) MO 9 (1910–2012) DC 9 (1979–2017) CT 8 (1895–2013) MS 8 (1947–2015) NV 7 (2006–2020) NM 7 (1922–1999) IN 7 (1867–2020) TN 7 (1926–2022) SC 7 (1922–2018) KS 6 (1900–1974) HI 6 (1953–2007) MT 5 (1894–1979) AZ 5 (1994–2015) VA 5 (1834–2016) WY 5 (1935–2020) OR 5 (1938–2022) ND 4 (1974–2017) CO 4 (1971–2007) RI 4 (1902–2005) AK 3 (1977–2003) NE 3 (1967–2014) WA 3 (1924–2018) UT 2 (2007–2022) AR 2 (2023–2024) MN 2 (1961–1984) WV 2 (1885–2021) WI 2 (1975–2021)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check