Reviewed case brief

Edwards v Halliwell

[1950] 2 All ER 1064

The Court of Appeal systematically identified and catalogued the exceptions to the rule in Foss v Harbottle. Where the impugned act is ultra vires, requires a special majority that was not obtained, constitutes fraud on the minority by those in control, or infringes individual membership rights, an

minority-rightsexceptionsFoss-v-Harbottleultra-viresfraud-on-minoritypersonal-rights
Court
Court of Appeal
Year
1950
Subjects
Company Law
Reviewed
2026-06-30

Rule established

Four exceptions to the rule in Foss v Harbottle: (1) ultra vires or illegal acts; (2) acts requiring special majority passed by simple majority; (3) fraud on the minority where wrongdoers control the company; (4) infringement of individual membership rights.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1950] 2 All ER 1064

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