Texas

Brehm v. Eisner in Texas Law

How Brehm v. Eisner applies in Texas: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Corporate Law.

State Approach

Texas law aligns with the principles articulated in Brehm v. Eisner regarding the standards for directors' decisions and business judgment rule. Under Texas law, directors are protected when they act in good faith, with the care an ordinarily prudent person would exercise, and in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interest of the corporation.

State Rule
In Texas, the Business Judgment Rule is applied, giving directors discretion in their business decisions as long as they are made in good faith, are informed, and have a rational basis.
Significant State Cases

In re Babcock & Wilcox Co.

The court emphasized that directors must act in good faith and with the belief that their actions are in the best interest of the corporation.

Tex. Gulf Sulphur Co. v. TGC Corp.

The ruling reiterated the business judgment rule, protecting directors’ decisions made with an informed basis and that are credibly connected to their fiduciary duties.

Smith v. Van Gorkom

This case examined the bounds of the business judgment rule in Texas, focusing on negligence in decision-making by directors.

Comparison to Federal Law

Texas law adheres closely to the principles of the business judgment rule as seen in Brehm v. Eisner, upholding the discretion of directors. Federal law also supports this principle, yet Texas courts may apply a different standard in reviewing the diligence exercised by directors, emphasizing Texas statutes like the Texas Business Organizations Code.

Bar Exam Note

Understanding the application of the business judgment rule in Texas is crucial for the Texas bar exam, particularly in corporate law questions regarding directors' duties.

Practice Pointers
  • Always assess whether decisions made by directors fulfill the good faith requirement under Texas law.
  • Examine the level of information available to directors when they made their decisions, as the business judgment rule emphasizes informed decision-making.
  • Be familiar with significant Texas cases interpreting the business judgment rule and how they guide director liability assessments.

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