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abstention

Defined in 5 dictionaries — Case Law, Cyclopedic (1922), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)

Definitions from Case Law

From 312 U.S. 496 - Railroad Commission v. Pullman Co. · 1941Most cited · 8,129 citing opinions

a doctrine of abstention appropriate to our federal system whereby the federal courts, 'exercising a wise discretion', restrain their authority because of 'scrupulous regard for the rightful independence of the state governments' and for the smooth working of the federal judiciary

Show all 4 Supreme Court definitions and how they changed over time 1941–1973

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

In French Law. The tacit renunciation of a succession by an heir. Merlin, Repert.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

In French Law. i renunciation of a succession by an heir. Merlin, RCpert.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

In French law. Keeping an heir from possession; also tacit renunciation of a succession by an heir. Merl. Repert.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

In French law. Keeping an heir from possession; also tacit renunciation of a succession by an heir. Merl. Repert.