What type of judgment simply declares the rights of parties without ordering any actions?

A declaratory judgment serves to clarify and define the legal rights and obligations of the parties involved in a dispute without compelling any party to take specific actions or perform duties. This type of judgment is particularly useful when individuals seek resolution or understanding about their legal standings and rights before proceeding with further legal action. It effectively provides a legal declaration on a particular issue, allowing parties to know where they stand, which can prevent potential disputes from escalating.

In contrast, a summary judgment is issued when a court determines that there is no genuine dispute of material fact and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A default judgment is rendered when one party fails to respond or appear in court, leading to a judgment in favor of the other party without the latter having to present evidence. An interlocutory judgment is a temporary order made during the course of a legal proceeding, which does not resolve the matter in full but addresses particular issues before the final resolution. Each of these other types of judgments has a specific purpose and involves directives for action or resolution, which distinguishes them from a declaratory judgment.