justiciable controversy
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 300 U.S. 227 - Aetna Life Ins Co of Hartford Conn v. Haworth · 1937Most cited · 6,465 citing opinions
A justiciable controversy is thus distinguished from a difference or dispute of a hypothetical or abstract character; from one that is academic or moot. The controversy must be definite and concrete, touching the legal relations of parties having adverse legal interests. It must be a real and substantial controversy admitting of specific relief through a decree of a conclusive character, as distinguished from an opinion advising what the law would be upon a hypothetical state of facts.