declaratory judgment act
declaratory-judgment act. A federal or state law permitting parties to bring an action to determine their legal rights and positions regarding a controversy not yet ripe for adjudication, as when an insurance company seeks a determination of coverage before deciding whether to cover a claim. 28 USCA §§ 2201, 2202. See declaratory judgment under JUDGMENT. [Cases: Declaratory Judgment 21. C.J.S. Declaratory Judgments §§ 5, 7.]