---
title: "Check a request to inspect the stock ledger or other books and records"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-and-corporate-advisory/check-a-request-to-inspect-or-copy-a-company-register/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A1-JU20261022-26-US"
practice_area: "Commercial & Corporate Advisory (contracts, company law, governance)"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check a request to inspect the stock ledger or other books and records

> From the demand, list who is asking, whether that person is a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner as § 220(a)(3) defines it, whether the demand is written, the purpose stated, and the books and records sought.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-and-corporate-advisory/check-a-request-to-inspect-or-copy-a-company-register/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Commercial & Corporate Advisory (contracts, company law, governance)](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-and-corporate-advisory.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the demand, list who is asking, whether that person is a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner as § 220(a)(3) defines it, whether the demand is written, the purpose stated, and the books and records sought. Do not hand over the records. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides whether § 220(b) is met: a written demand, made in good faith and for a proper purpose, describing with reasonable particularity the purpose and the records, and the records specifically related to that purpose. A proper purpose is one reasonably related to the stockholder's interest as a stockholder. The lawyer also decides any reasonable restriction the corporation may impose on confidentiality, use or distribution, and whether to refuse and defend in the Court of Chancery. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Check a request to inspect or copy a company register](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-and-corporate-advisory/check-a-request-to-inspect-or-copy-a-company-register.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the demand, list who is asking, whether that person is a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner as § 220(a)(3) defines it, whether the demand is written, the purpose stated, and the books and records sought. Do not hand over the records.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Section 220 requires the demand under oath. The lawyer settles that form. The draft list is not the demand.
- The books-and-records definition in § 220(a) was amended, and the section notes 85 Del. Laws, c. 6, § 3, on application. Read the current subsection before production.

## Sources

- [Delaware General Corporation Law, Subchapter VII, including § 220 Inspection of books and records](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title8/c001/sc07/index.html) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.6, Confidentiality of Information](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_6_confidentiality_of_information/) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*