The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 555, shall be in accordance with these rules, and the right to trial by jury is retained under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Rules 38 and 39. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.
Rule 57.Declaratory Judgments
Last verified July 1, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 confirms that a request for a declaratory judgment under Minnesota law follows the same civil procedure rules as any other case, preserves the right to a jury trial, and can be handled on an expedited basis.
Full Text of Rule 57
Plain-English Summary
A declaratory judgment lets a party ask a court to formally declare rights, status, or legal relationships without necessarily seeking damages or other traditional relief. Rule 57 confirms that the procedure for getting a declaratory judgment under Minnesota’s declaratory judgment statute follows the same rules of civil procedure that apply to any other civil case. It does not create a separate or different set of procedures.
The rule preserves the right to a jury trial for declaratory judgment actions under the same circumstances and in the same manner that the right exists under Rules 38 and 39 generally. It also makes clear that having some other adequate remedy available does not automatically prevent a court from granting declaratory relief in a case where declaratory relief is appropriate. This keeps declaratory judgment available as a genuine option, not only a last resort.
Because declaratory judgment actions sometimes need quicker resolution than an ordinary lawsuit, the rule specifically allows the court to order a speedy hearing and to move the case ahead on the court’s calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a declaratory judgment case follow different procedural rules in Minnesota?
No, the procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment under Minnesota Statutes chapter 555 follows these same rules of civil procedure.
Can I get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment case?
Yes, the right to a jury trial is retained under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Rules 38 and 39.
Does having another legal remedy available stop me from seeking a declaratory judgment?
No, the existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where declaratory relief is appropriate.
Can a declaratory judgment case move faster than a normal lawsuit?
Yes, the court may order a speedy hearing of a declaratory judgment action and may advance it on the calendar.
Source & verification. The rule text and Advisory Committee Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
official Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure (Minn. R. Civ. P. 57). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 480.051). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: declaratory relief