North Carolina § 55-8-42 - Standards of conduct for officers.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 55-8-42 — Standards of conduct for officers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-8-42. Standards of conduct for officers.
An officer with discretionary authority shall discharge his duties under that authority: In good faith; With the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and In a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. In discharging his duties an officer is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; or Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the officer reasonably believes are within their professional or expert competence. An officer is not entitled to the benefit of subsection (b) if he has actual knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (b) unwarranted. An officer is not liable for (i) any action taken as an officer, or any failure to take any action, if the officer performed the duties of the officer's office in compliance with this section or (ii) any failure to offer the corporation the right to have or participate in a business opportunity prior to the pursuit or taking of the opportunity by the officer or other person if the corporation's articles of incorporation include a provision authorized by G.S. 55-2-02(b)(4) and the procedures and approvals required by the provision, if any, were complied with or obtained prior to the pursuit or taking of the opportunity by the officer or other person. An officer may be entitled to indemnification against liability and expenses pursuant to Part 5 of Article 8 of this Chapter. History (1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2018-45, s. 12.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 55-8-42
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 55-8-42 cover?
Section 55-8-42 ("Standards of conduct for officers.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina § 55-8-42?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 55-8-42" (North Carolina). 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 North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 55-8-42 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.