declaratory

adjective de·clar·a·to·ry \ -ə-ˌtȯr-ē \

Definition of declaratory

1 :serving to declare, set forth, or explain

2 a :declaring what is the existing law

declaratory statute

b :declaring a legal right or interpretation

a declaratory judgment

Recent Examples of declaratory from the Web

But if the judge denies her request for a declaratory judgment, a seventh person — King — gets a large piece of the pie.

— mary carole mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Lawsuit filed to determine who owns the rights to the late novelist Tom Clancy's most famous character," 29 Aug. 2017
The court agreed, finding any declaratory relief granted regarding the unfinished screenplay would be nothing more than an advisory opinion.

— ashley cullins, The Hollywood Reporter, "Hollywood Docket: Showtime Wins Bid to Pre-Empt Mayweather-McGregor Fight Piracy," 25 Aug. 2017
National Liability & Fire Insurance Co. and Boat Owners Association of the United States have asked for a declaratory judgment and are refusing to pay the $85,000 policy that Nathan Carman had on the boat.

— dave altimari, courant.com, "Lawyers In Nathan Carman Insurance Case Meet With Magistrate," 7 Aug. 2017
Had Cary not resigned, the board would have needed a declaratory judgment from a circuit or superior court to remove him, Murphy said.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Merit board member resigns; sheriff calls Facebook posts 'disgusting'," 2 Aug. 2017
There was no public meeting because under state law, the board isn’t required to hold one for petitions for declaratory relief, said Joshua Wisch, a spokesman for the state attorney general’s office.

— jennifer sinco kelleher, The Seattle Times, "Hawaiian fisherman sues to restrict foreign fishing licenses," 1 Aug. 2017
Yesterday, Judge Beaudet dismissed the Mandels’ declaratory relief claim, and struck from their cross-complaint over 80 paragraphs of allegations containing frivolous smears against Johnny Depp, which constituted their ‘

— vanityfair.com, "Johnny Depp’s Extravagant Spending Habits Ruled Irrelevant By Judge—For Now," 11 July 2017
As for declaratory relief, his demands include a third of net profits from Drake recordings, entitlement to audit both Cash Money and Universal, termination of the Young Money label, and more.

— eriq gardner, Billboard, "Lil Wayne Claims Universal Colluded With Cash Money in Amended Suit Seeking Label Liquidation," 5 July 2017
The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgement from the court declaring that Trump is subject to the Emoluments Clause, and an order enjoining Trump from accepting emoluments.

— steve reilly, USA TODAY, "Nearly 200 Democratic lawmakers sue Trump citing business conflicts," 14 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'declaratory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of declaratory

15th century

Law Dictionary

declaratory

adjective de·clar·a·to·ry \ di-ˈklar-ə-ˌtōr-ē \

legal Definition of declaratory

:serving to declare, set forth, or explain: as

a :declaring what is the existing law

b :declaring a legal right or interpretation

declaratory relief

— see also declaratory judgment at judgment 1a

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See words that rhyme with declaratory Britannica English: Translation of declaratory for Arabic speakers

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Definition of declaratory

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legal Definition of declaratory

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