New Jersey § 14a:3-6
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 14a:3-6, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14a:3-6.
(1) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, a derivative proceeding shall be dismissed
by the court on motion by the corporation if the court finds that: (a) the person or group specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) of this
section or subsection (6) of this section has determined in good faith, after conducting
a reasonable inquiry upon which its conclusions are based, that the maintenance of
the derivative proceeding is not in the best interests of the corporation; or (b) the shareholders specified in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of this section
have voted to terminate the derivative proceeding. (2) Unless a panel is appointed pursuant to subsection (6) of this section, the determination
in subsection (1) of this section shall be made by: (a) a majority vote of independent directors present at a meeting of the board of
directors if the independent directors constitute a quorum; (b) a majority vote of a committee consisting of one or more independent directors
appointed by majority vote of independent directors, or one independent director if
the board consists of only one independent director, present at a meeting of the board
of directors, regardless of whether those independent directors constitute a quorum
of the board; or (c) the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote,
not including shares owned by or voted under the control of a shareholder or related
person who has or had a material beneficial financial interest in the act or omission
complained of or other interest therein that would reasonably be expected to exert
an influence on that shareholder's or related person's judgment if called upon to
vote in the determination. (3) If a derivative proceeding is commenced after a determination has been made rejecting
a demand by a shareholder, the complaint shall allege with particularity facts establishing
that a majority of the board of directors, or all members of a committee, which in
either case determined the matter, did not consist of independent directors at the
time the determination was made. (4) If a majority of the board of directors consisted of independent directors at
the time the determination in subsection (1) of this section was made or if the determination
is made by shareholders, the plaintiff shall have the burden of proving that the requirements
of subsection (1) of this section have not been met. If a majority of the board of directors does not consist of independent directors
at the time the determination by independent directors is made, the corporation shall
have the burden of proving that the requirements of subsection (1) of this section
have been met. (5)(a) If the corporation moves to dismiss the derivative proceeding, it shall make
a written filing with the court setting forth, among other things, facts to show: (i) whether or not a majority of the board of directors was independent at the time
of the determination by the independent director or directors; and (ii) that the independent director or directors made the determination in good faith
after conducting a reasonable inquiry upon which the conclusions are based. (b) Following a motion filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, the court
shall dismiss the derivative suit unless: (i) the court finds that the requirements of subsection (1) of this section have not
been met, taking into account the burden of proof under subsection (4) or (6) of this
section; or (ii) the plaintiff, in its complaint, an amended complaint, or in a written filing
with the court, has alleged with particularity facts rebutting the facts contained
in the corporation's filing. (c) All discovery proceedings shall be stayed upon the filing by the corporation of
its motion to dismiss and the filing required by this subsection until the notice
of entry of the order ruling on the motion. Notwithstanding the foregoing stay of discovery, the court, on motion and after
a hearing, may order that specified and limited discovery be conducted if plaintiffs
make a good cause showing of alleged facts which evidence a lack of independence by
the person or group making the determination for the corporation or a lack of a good
faith determination. Limited discovery shall not include the work product, privileged communications,
or testimony of attorneys who advised or assisted the person or group making the determination. (6) Upon motion by the corporation, the court may appoint a panel of one or more individuals
to make a determination whether the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is in
the best interests of the corporation. The plaintiff shall have the burden of proving to the panel that the requirements
of subsection (1) of this section have not been met. (7)(a) A director shall be considered independent for the purposes of this section
if the director has: (i) no economic interest in the challenged act or transaction material to him or her,
other than an economic interest that is shared by all shareholders generally; and (ii) no material, personal, or business relationships with the defendant directors
or officers who have a material interest in the act or transaction challenged. (b) None of the following shall by itself cause a director to be considered not independent
for the purposes of this section: (i) the nomination or election of the director by a person who is a defendant in the
derivative proceeding or against whom action is demanded; (ii) the naming of the director as a defendant in the derivative proceeding or as
a person against whom action is demanded; or (iii) the approval by the director of the act being challenged in the derivative proceeding
or demand if the act resulted in no personal benefit to the director.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 14a:3-6
What does New Jersey Statutes § 14a:3-6 cover?
Section 14a:3-6 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 14a:3-6?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 14a:3-6" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 14a:3-6 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.