abstain

Definition of "abstain"
  1. To choose to not use federal authority to influence a case, resulting in an abstention
How to use "abstain" in a sentence
  1. The judge decided to abstain from exercising federal jurisdiction in this specific case.
  2. Due to the complexities of the case, the federal court opted to abstain, letting the lower courts handle the proceedings.
  3. In some instances, it may be preferable for a federal court to abstain instead of controlling a case.

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