Abstain
/əbˈsteɪn/
Definitions
- (v.) To deliberately refrain from voting or making a decision in a legislative or judicial context.
Several members chose to abstain from voting on the contentious bill.
- (v.) To withhold consent or participation in an official proceeding or agreement.
The party agreed to abstain from signing the contract until further negotiations.
Forms
- abstains
- abstained
- abstaining
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting, distinguishing abstention from recusal or dissent is crucial; abstaining implies non-participation without necessarily implying bias or conflict.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.