Federal Abstention Doctrine
/ˈfɛdərəl əbˈstɪnʃən ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial doctrine under which federal courts decline to exercise their jurisdiction in certain cases to avoid interfering with state court proceedings or policies.
The federal abstention doctrine often requires federal courts to stay or dismiss cases to respect state sovereignty.
Forms
- federal abstention doctrine
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Typically invoked to promote federalism and avoid duplicative litigation, the doctrine includes several specific abstention types, each addressing distinct federal-state concerns.
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.