Abstention Doctrine Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Abstention Doctrine.

Abstention Doctrine (noun)

In U.S. law, the 'Abstention Doctrine' is a principle used by Federal Courts to decline hearing a case. This may occur if hearing the case could possibly interfere with the authority of the state courts. This doctrine helps to respect and maintain a balance between the federal and state judicial systems.