Georgia § 9-4-2 - Declaratory judgments authorized; force and effect.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-4-2 — Declaratory judgments authorized; force and effect., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-4-2. Declaratory judgments authorized; force and effect.
In cases of actual controversy, the respective superior courts of this state and the Georgia State-wide Business Court shall have power, upon petition or other appropriate pleading, to declare rights and other legal relations of any interested party petitioning for such declaration, whether or not further relief is or could be prayed; and the declaration shall have the force and effect of a final judgment or decree and be reviewable as such. In addition to the cases specified in subsection (a) of this Code section, the respective superior courts of this state and the Georgia State-wide Business Court shall have power, upon petition or other appropriate pleading, to declare rights and other legal relations of any interested party petitioning for the declaration, whether or not further relief is or could be prayed, in any civil case in which it appears to the court that the ends of justice require that the declaration should be made; and the declaration shall have the force and effect of a final judgment or decree and be reviewable as such. Relief by declaratory judgment shall be available, notwithstanding the fact that the complaining party has any other adequate legal or equitable remedy or remedies. (Ga. L. 1945, p. 137, § 1; Ga. L. 1959, p. 236, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 9; Ga. L. 2019, p. 845, § 3-1/HB 239.) The 2019 amendment, effective May 7, 2019, inserted "and the Georgia State-wide Business Court" near the middle of subsections (a) and (b). Cross references. - Actions for declaratory judgment regarding validity of agency rules, § 50-13-10 . Law reviews. - For article, "The Civil Jurisdiction of State and Magistrate Courts," see 24 Ga. St. B.J. 29 (1987). For article, "Tracing Georgia's English Common Law Equity Jurisprudential Roots: Quia Timet," see 14 The Journal of Southern Legal History 135 (2006). For survey article on real property law, see 67 Mercer L. Rev. 193 (2015). For article on the 2019 amendment of this Code section, see 36 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2019).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 9-4-2
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-4-2 cover?
Section 9-4-2 ("Declaratory judgments authorized; force and effect.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 9-4-2?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-4-2" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 9-4-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.