One of the most respected courts in the United States, the Delaware Court of Chancery is known for handling complex business and corporate law cases. It is a specialized court of equity, meaning it resolves disputes by applying principles of fairness rather than strictly following legal codes.

Historical Background

Established in 1792, the Court of Chancery was modeled after England’s chancery courts, which addressed issues not easily resolved by common law courts. Originally, it handled a wide range of matters, including trusts, estates, guardianships and business disputes. But over time, as Delaware became a hub for corporate registration, the court’s focus shifted to corporate law.

This transformation began in the early 20th century when Delaware adopted business-friendly incorporation laws. Companies from across the U.S. started incorporating in Delaware, giving the Court of Chancery jurisdiction over many of their legal disputes.

Purpose and Role

Today, the Delaware Court of Chancery specializes in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder disputes, and fiduciary duty cases. It doesn’t hold jury trials; instead, cases are decided by chancellors (judges) who are experts in equity law. Equity law refers to a branch of law that focuses on fairness and justice, providing remedies that are not available under strict legal rules. It is used to address situations where applying common law would result in an unfair outcome. Instead of awarding monetary damages, equity law offers remedies like injunctions, specific performance (i.e., requiring a party to fulfill a contract) or recessions such as canceling a contract and restoring parties to their original state.

Ultimately, the Delaware Court of Chancery allows for faster, more consistent rulings, making the court attractive to businesses.

Why the Delaware Court of Chancery Matters

Delaware’s Court of Chancery plays an important role in shaping corporate law nationwide. Its decisions often influence how companies are run and how they resolve conflicts. The court’s reputation for fairness and expertise has solidified Delaware’s status as the leading state for corporate registration, with more than half of U.S. publicly traded companies incorporated there.

Major Milestones of the Delaware Court of Chancery

Throughout its history, the Delaware Court of Chancery has evolved, providing businesses with a valuable resource. 

1. 1792 – Establishment
   Designed to handle cases requiring equitable remedies, such as disputes over trusts, estates, and contracts, the Delaware Court of Chancery is created as a separate equity court.
2. 1899 – Delaware General Corporation Law
   Delaware enacts its General Corporation Law, establishing a business-friendly legal framework. This attracted companies to incorporate in Delaware, gradually focusing the Court of Chancery on corporate law matters.
3. Early 20th Century – Rise of Corporate Cases
   As more businesses incorporate in Delaware, the Court of Chancery begins specializing in corporate governance and fiduciary duty cases. This marked its transformation into a key forum for resolving corporate disputes.
4. 1967 – Modernization of Corporate Law
   Delaware revamps its General Corporation Law, further solidifying its reputation as the top state for incorporation. The Court of Chancery’s role in interpreting these laws became increasingly significant.
5. 1985 – Unocal and Revlon Decisions
   Landmark cases like Unocal Corp. v. Mesa Petroleum Co. and Revlon, Inc. v. MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, Inc. clarify directors’ duties in takeover scenarios. These rulings become foundational in corporate law nationwide.
6. 1990s – Expansion of Jurisdiction
   The Court expands its jurisdiction to address disputes involving alternative entities like limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships, reflecting changes in business practices.
7. 2000s – Landmark Cases in Corporate Governance
   High-profile cases, such as Disney (executive compensation) and Airgas (poison pill defenses), reinforce the court’s influence in shaping modern corporate governance principles.
8. 2013 – Adoption of Technology and E-Filing
   The Court of Chancery embraces technology, implementing e-filing and case management systems to improve efficiency and accessibility for businesses worldwide.
9. Present Day – Global Influence
   The Court continues to issue decisions that shape corporate law, attracting international attention and cementing its reputation as the leading venue for complex business disputes.

Bottom Line

Without the Delaware Court of Chancery, the business world would likely face more uncertainty and inconsistency in corporate governance and dispute resolution. The court provides clear, predictable rulings on complex corporate matters, which help companies navigate legal challenges with confidence. Without the Delaware Court of Chancery, businesses could, in theory, struggle with slower litigation processes, less experienced judges, and inconsistent legal interpretations in other jurisdictions.