View source for Declaratory Judgment Act

The '''Declaratory Judgment Act''' of 1934, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201-2202, enabled parties to bring lawsuits in [[federal court]] to obtain [[declaratory relief]] not otherwise available.  It has been particularly useful in patent cases, but is controversial as a basis for federal jurisdiction.

A ''[[declaratory judgment]]'' is a court order stating certain facts, especially facts that bear upon the legality of a contemplated action.  For example, where a person plans to undertake a risky or controversial action, he may seek a ''declaratory judgment'' as to its legality.
== Sources ==

* Donald L. Doernberg and Michael B. Mushlin, "The Trojan Horse: How the Declaratory Judgment Act Created a Cause of Action and Expanded Federal Jurisdiction While the Supreme Court Wasn't Looking," 36 UCLA L. Rev. 529 (Feb. 1989)
[[Category:Law]]