What does a declaratory judgment allow a party to do?

A declaratory judgment is a legal determination made by a court that resolves legal uncertainty for the parties involved. It allows a party to seek a judicial ruling on the legality of certain actions or to clarify rights under a statute, contract, or constitutional provision. The essential purpose of a declaratory judgment is to provide clarity and guidance about the law without necessarily ordering one party to take action or to provide damages.

In contrast, obtaining damages for breach of contract involves a different legal remedy, where one party seeks compensation due to the failure of the other party to fulfill their contractual obligations. Challenging a judge's decision typically involves an appeal process, which is distinct from the function of a declaratory judgment. Lastly, a request for a jury trial pertains to whether a case should be decided by a jury, which is not the focus of declaratory judgments. Therefore, the option that accurately represents the function of a declaratory judgment is the one that highlights seeking a court ruling on the legality of actions or rights.