What must a judge provide in a declaratory relief action?

In a declaratory relief action, the primary purpose is to resolve uncertainty or disputes regarding legal rights, obligations, or relationships among parties without the necessity of a full trial. The judge's role in this scenario is to provide clarity on legal issues by issuing a judicial declaration of rights and obligations. This declaration can help individuals or entities understand their legal standings, which may prevent further disputes and facilitate compliance with the law.

Other options, such as providing a financial compensation statement or a binding jury decision, are not relevant in the context of declaratory relief. Additionally, a settlement agreement is typically the result of negotiations between parties rather than a judicial determination. Therefore, a judicial declaration of rights and obligations stands as the essential and correct element that a judge must provide in such an action.