Since the early 1980s, the body of corporate law has favored the resolution of conflict of interest transactions through the use of committees of the board of directors commonly referred to as "special" (or "independent" or "conflicts") committees. Special committees are recognized as effective tools to resolve conflicts in transactions, to investigate potential corporate wrongdoing and to assert the board's control over pending derivative litigation. Given the widespread use of special committees and the body of law that has grown up relating to its use, Special Committees: Lawand Practice is the definitive reference on this emerging area of law.