Thibodaux Abstention
/ˈtɪbədɔː ˌæbstənʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial doctrine allowing federal courts to abstain from deciding cases involving unclear state laws until state courts clarify the law.
The federal court applied the Thibodaux abstention to avoid prematurely interpreting the uncertain state statute.
Forms
- thibodaux abstention
- thibodaux abstentions
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Thibodaux abstention is often invoked in cases involving complex or novel state law issues to promote judicial economy and respect state court authority.
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.