declaratory judgment

American  

noun

Law.

1. a judgment that merely decides the rights of parties in a given transaction, situation, or dispute but does not order any action or award damages.

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Example Sentences

“We’re seeking a declaratory judgment that this kind of coercion and the threats of prosecution against Joshua violate the First Amendment,” Sher Tremonte lead counsel Noam Biale told me.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

It was seeking a declaratory judgment and an injunction, but no damages.

From Salon • Sep. 27, 2024

Instead, they want declaratory judgment from the court regarding the makeup of the Pac-12’s board of directors, which has voting authority and control of the conference’s finances.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

Cher asked the court for a declaratory judgment that the estate didn't terminate her rights, and requested at least $1 million in damages for breaching the divorce settlement.

From Reuters • Oct. 15, 2021

The steel companies sued the Secretary in a federal district court, praying for a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief.

From The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952 by Corwin, Edward Samuel