In Re Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Derivative Litigation,  C.A. 8145-VCN (February 14, 2013)

In recent years, the Delaware Supreme Court has stressed that it is desirable to file a books and records case before starting derivative litigation.  But do you need to do that every time?  In the unusual situation presented by this case, the Court of Chancery declined to hold up a derivative case to permit a books and records case to go first.  In granting an immediate appeal, the Court recognized that the Supreme Court may want to clarify the law in this area.