§ 25-21,163.Interpretation and construction of sections to effectuate uniformity.
Article 21: Special Proceedings and Actions · Last amended 1929 · Last verified July 22, 2026
Full Text of § 25-21,163
Source
Laws 1929, c. 75, § 15, p. 259; C.S.1929, § 20-21,154; R.S.1943, § 25-21,163.
Plain-English Summary
Section 25-21,163 points to why the Act uses the word "Uniform" in its name. Sections 25-21,149 to 25-21,164 are to be interpreted and construed to effectuate their general purpose of making the law uniform among the states that enact them, and to harmonize, as far as possible, with federal laws and regulations on the subject of declaratory judgments and decrees.
That instruction gives courts a reason to look beyond Nebraska’s own case law when a wholly novel question about the Act comes up. Because many states adopted a similar model act, and because federal courts have their own body of declaratory judgment practice, this section favors an interpretation that keeps Nebraska’s law working in step with both, rather than developing in isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this section mention other states?
Because the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act was adopted by multiple states, and section 25-21,163 directs that Nebraska’s version be interpreted to make the law uniform among all of them.
Does this section require Nebraska courts to follow federal declaratory judgment rulings exactly?
No. It directs courts to harmonize with federal laws and regulations on declaratory judgments "as far as possible," not to adopt federal rules wholesale.
Does this interpretive instruction apply to the whole Act?
Why would uniformity among states matter for a declaratory judgment statute?
A remedy meant to resolve uncertainty works better when parties, including those operating across state lines, can expect it to function the same way from one adopting state to the next.
Does this section change the substantive rights the Act creates?
No. It is an interpretive directive aimed at how courts read and apply the Act’s existing provisions, not a source of new substantive rights.