The accessibility of declaratory judgment would greatly diminish the propensity toward self-help to "solve" labor conflicts and would decrease the concomitant potential for violence and damages. Available from Seton Hall University School of Law, 1095 Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102. (Author/IRT)

Collective bargaining relationships in school districts are affected by court actions in a variety of ways. Courts have acted as a "surrogate legislature" by providing legal structures where legislation is absent and by modifying legislation through the process of statutory construction. This paper examines the courts' role in structuring…