Explain the corporate director's duty to exercise independent judgment under English law.

Under English law, directors have a duty to exercise independent judgment, which means that they must make decisions in the best interests of the company, free from outside influence or pressure. This duty is set out in the Companies Act 2006 and is seen as a key aspect of good corporate governance. The duty to exercise independent judgment requires directors to act in a manner that is free from conflicts of interest and to make decisions based on their own assessment of the facts and circumstances, rather than following the instructions or wishes of others. This includes decisions related to the company's strategy, financial performance, and the allocation of resources, as well as decisions related to specific transactions or other business dealings. In order to discharge this duty effectively, directors must be well-informed about the company's operations, finances, and future prospects, and must be able to analyze information and make independent decisions based on that analysis. They must also be aware of their obligations under the Companies Act 2006 and other relevant laws, and must be able to identify and manage conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of their duties. It is important to note that the duty to exercise independent judgment applies to all directors, regardless of their position or level of experience. This helps to ensure that decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner, and that the company is governed in a way that protects its interests and promotes its success.