declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈkler-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

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

Examples of declaratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The plaintiffs seek a declaratory judgment that the commission, by approving the plans, has violated their fundamental rights. —Amy Green, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024

The lawsuit also asked for a declaratory judgment that a policy banning the sharing of books among students violated the First Amendment and state constitution. —Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024

The problem is that currently, a chasm separates what is expected of the United States from its declaratory policy and its ability to intervene on Taiwan’s behalf. —Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2020

The declaratory lawsuit against the SEC is not an isolated event. —Tonya Evans, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

declaratory

adjective

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

: 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 sense 1a