Reviewed case brief

Re City Equitable Fire Insurance Co

[1925] Ch 407

The Court of Appeal established the standard of care expected from directors in the discharge of their duties. Directors need not exhibit a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from persons of their knowledge and experience. They are entitled to trust the honesty of company office

directorsduty-of-carestandard-of-skilldelegationtrust-in-officers
Court
Court of Appeal
Year
1925
Subjects
Company Law
Reviewed
2026-06-30

Rule established

Directors are required to show a degree of skill reasonably expected from persons of their knowledge and experience; they are entitled to trust officers and delegate unless grounds for suspicion exist.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1925] Ch 407

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.