Case ID: ohio-cc-ns_11/html/0384-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

INSPECTION BY STOCKHOLDERS OF CORPORATION BOOKS.
    Circuit Court of Hamilton County.
    Ohio Humane Society v. William C. Biles.
    Decided, June 27, 1908.
    The provision found in Section 3254, Revised Statutes, requiring that the books and records of corporations shall be open to the inspection of stockholders at all reasonable times, has no reference to corporations not for profit.
    
      Ellis B. Gregg, for plaintiff in error.
    
      Province M. Pogue, contra.
    Smith, J.; Swing, P. J., and Gieeen, J., concur.
   We are of opinion that Section 3254. Revised Statutes, wherein it is provided that "the books and records of such corporation shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of every stockholder,” has reference to corporations organized solely for profit. It speaks of "stockholders,” "certificates of paid up stock,” the "assignment” and "transfer of certificates of stock.” This section therefore has in contemplation property rights, while in corporations "not for profit” there is no stock and no property right of a member is involved.

The statutes relating to the establishment of the Ohio Humane Society are contained in Chapter 13, Sections 3714 to 3725-2, and not being a corporation for profit it can not come under Section 3254, and for this reason also we do not think the case of Cincinnati Volksblatt Company v. Hoffmeister, 62 O. S., 189, is applicable to the present one.

While upon the face of the petition perhaps a demurrer would not lie, the answer sets up a good defense and it was error to refuse to .allow the same to be filed.

Judgment reversed.