The Younger Abstention Doctrine: Bleak Prospects for Federal Intervention in Pending State Proceedings

Authors

David C. Levenreich

Abstract

The Younger abstention doctrine limits the ability of a federal court to enjoin a pending state proceeding. The author discusses the bases of the Younger and Pullman abstention doctrines, including the policy foundation of federalism. He examines the development of the Younger doctrine, analyzes its operation, and notes the restricted exceptions to it. He concludes that the availability of federal injunctive relief against pending state proceedings is severely limited, to the possible detriment of the vindication of federally extended rights.

First Page

313

Recommended Citation

David C. Levenreich, The Younger Abstention Doctrine: Bleak Prospects for Federal Intervention in Pending State Proceedings, 19 Duq. L. Rev. 313 (1981).
Available at: https://dsc.duq.edu/dlr/vol19/iss2/6