116                                        LAWS OF MARYLAND                            [Ch.

SUBDIVISIONS OF THE STATE, OR ANY OF THEIR UNITS, OR
AN INDIVIDUAL, RECEIVER, TRUSTEE, GUARDIAN, EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, FIDUCIARY, OR REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY
KIND, OR ANY PARTNERSHIP, FIRM, ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC OR
PRIVATE CORPORATION, OF ANY OTHER ENTITY.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language
derived from Art. 31A, §13.

The section is revised to clarify the
definition of "person". It is consistent
with §3-801(x) and similar to §4-101(j) of
the Natural Resources Article.

SEC. 3-402. PURPOSE AND CONSTRUCTION OF SUBTITLE.

THIS SUBTITLE IS REMEDIAL. ITS PURPOSE IS TO
SETTLE AND AFFORD RELIEF FROM UNCERTAINTY AND
INSECURITY WITH RESPECT TO RIGHTS, STATUS, AND OTHER
LEGAL RELATIONS. IT SHALL BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED AND
ADMINISTERED.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section presently appears as
Art. 31A, §12. Provisions of this section
are placed at the beginning of the subtitle
next to the definition section for the
purpose of better organization. The only
other changes made are in style.

SEC. 3-403. JURISDICTION.

(A)   IN GENERAL.

EXCEPT FOR THE DISTRICT COURT, A COURT OF RECORD
WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION MAY DECLARE RIGHTS, STATUS,
AND OTHER LEGAL RELATIONS WHETHER OR NOT FURTHER
BELIEF IS OR COULD BE CLAIMED. AN ACTION OR
PROCEEDING IS NOT OPEN TO OBJECTION ON THE GROUND THAT
A DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OR DECREE IS PRAYED FOR.

(B)   ENUMERATION NOT EXCLUSIVE.

THE ENUMERATION IN §§ 3-406, 3-407, AND 3-408
DOES NOT LIMIT OR RESTRICT THE EXERCISE OF THE GENERAL
POWERS CONFERRED IN SUBSECTION (A) IN ANY PROCEEDING
WHERE DECLARATORY RELIEF IS SOUGHT, IN WHICH A
JUDGMENT OR DECREE WILL TERMINATE THE CONTROVERSY OR
REMOVE AN UNCERTAINTY.

REVISOR'S NOTE: The section presently appears as