A court built around equity

Origins in 1792

Delaware's Court of Chancery came into existence as a separate court under the Constitution of 1792. It was modeled on the English High Court of Chancery, while developing as a distinct Delaware institution. The Court's historical jurisdiction centered on equitable relief where ordinary legal remedies were inadequate.

The official Court history describes how equity principles adapted to changing economic circumstances and legal relationships. The Court's prominence in corporate disputes grew over time, but the institution's work has never been confined to corporations.

An evolving judicial structure

The Court originally consisted of a Chancellor. The position of Vice Chancellor was added in 1939, and the Court's structure expanded as its workload and subject matter developed. Today the Court operates with a Chancellor, Vice Chancellors and Magistrates in Chancery.

A modern court with a specialized docket

Modern Chancery litigation includes corporate governance and merger disputes, stockholder and fiduciary claims, trusts and estates, guardianships, real property matters and selected commercial disputes. The Court's specialization and body of decisions are important parts of Delaware's corporate-law ecosystem, but jurisdiction still depends on legal requirements rather than a party's preference.

Judicial officers

The Chancellor leads the Court. Vice Chancellors hear and decide matters assigned to them. Magistrates in Chancery perform functions assigned by statute, rule and order. Judicial appointments, assignments and current biographies can change; consult the official directory rather than relying on a static third-party list.

Where the Court sits

The Court has locations in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. The official locations page provides current addresses, hours and contact details. Court schedules and calendars can change.