The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 4, shall be in accordance with these rules, and the right to trial by jury may be demanded 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
Part VII: Judgment · Last amended November 1, 2008 · Last verified July 13, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 confirms that declaratory judgment cases in Utah follow the same civil procedure as any other lawsuit, including the right to a jury trial, and lets a court speed up a declaratory judgment case on its calendar.
Full Text of Rule 57
Amendment History
Amended effective November 1, 2008.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 57 covers declaratory judgments — cases where a party asks the court to settle a legal question or clarify rights and status, rather than award damages or order someone to do something. Utah's declaratory judgment procedure runs through the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act in Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 4, but the mechanics of getting there follow the same civil rules as any other case.
Nothing about seeking a declaration cuts off the right to a jury trial; parties can demand one under the same conditions and in the same way set out in Rules 38 and 39. And having some other remedy available — a breach-of-contract claim, for instance — doesn't automatically block a request for declaratory relief when a declaration is the appropriate way to resolve the dispute.
Because these cases often exist to resolve uncertainty quickly, the rule gives the court room to move faster than usual: it can order a speedy hearing and advance the case ahead of others on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a declaratory judgment?
It's a court ruling that settles a legal question or clarifies the parties' rights and status, without necessarily awarding damages or ordering anyone to do anything. Utah's declaratory judgment actions proceed under the same civil rules as any other lawsuit.
Can I get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment case?
Yes. The right to demand a jury works the same way it does in any other civil case, under Rules 38 and 39.
Does having another legal remedy available stop me from seeking a declaratory judgment?
No. The existence of another adequate remedy doesn't by itself bar declaratory relief in cases where a declaration is the appropriate way to resolve the dispute.
Can I ask the court to move my declaratory judgment case along faster?
Yes. The rule specifically allows the court to order a speedy hearing and advance the case on the calendar.
Where does the underlying law for a declaratory judgment action come from?
The Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, found at Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 4. Rule 57 governs the procedure for bringing that kind of action, not the substantive standards for when a declaration is warranted.
Is a declaratory judgment the same thing as an award of money damages?
No. A declaratory judgment resolves a legal question or clarifies rights and status. It doesn't necessarily involve any award of damages, though a declaratory judgment case can proceed alongside other claims that do seek damages.
Source & verification. Rule text, Advisory Committee Notes, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure,
adopted by the Utah Supreme Court. Last verified July 13, 2026. ·
Official source
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