Rule 10b-5 and the Stockholder's Derivative Action

This article focuses upon a new, emerging private cause of action based upon section 10(b) and rule 10b-5-a stockholder's derivative action initiated on behalf of a corporation which has been defrauded in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. Five reported cases, three decided in the last three months of 1964, have sustained a stockholder's derivative suit based upon section 10(b) and rule 10b-5. The significance of these decisions becomes apparent, not only when one considers that the derivative suit has traditionally been an internal corporate matter governed exclusively by state law, but also when one focuses upon the compelling advantages which accrue to the stockholder initiating his derivative action pursuant to the above section and rule.