Reviewed case brief

Foss v Harbottle

(1843) 2 Hare 461

(1843) 2 Hare 461 · Court of Chancery

majority-ruleproper-plaintiffcorporate-wrongsminority-rightsfoundational
Court
Court of Chancery
Year
1843
Subjects
Company Law
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

The proper plaintiff for wrongs done to a company is the company itself (acting through its majority); individual members cannot sue for corporate wrongs

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        (1843) 2 Hare 461

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