ADVERSE-DOMINATION DOCTRINE
adverse-domination doctrine.The equitable principle that the statute of limitations on a
breach-of-fiduciary-duty claim against officers and directors (esp. a corporation’s action against its
own officers and directors) is tolled as long as a corporate plaintiff is controlled by the alleged
wrongdoers. • The statute is tolled until a majority of the disinterested directors discover or are put
on notice of the claim against the wrongdoers. The purpose of this doctrine is to prevent a director
or officer from successfully hiding wrongful or fraudulent conduct during the limitations period.
FDIC v. Shrader & York, 991 F.2d 216, 227 (5th Cir. 1993). This doctrine is available only to
benefit the corporation. — Also termed adverse dominion; doctrine of adverse domination. [Cases:
Limitation of Actions 58(4, 5). C.J.S. Limitations of Actions § 205.] [Blacks Law 8th]