Burford Abstention
/ˈbɜːrfərd əbˈstɛnʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A doctrine allowing federal courts to abstain from interfering with state administrative proceedings involving complex state regulatory schemes to avoid federal-state conflict.
The federal court applied Burford abstention to dismiss the case and defer to the state agency's expertise.
Forms
- burford abstention
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Burford abstention is typically invoked in cases implicating complex state administrative processes; understanding when to apply it helps balance federal and state judicial responsibilities.
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.