Abatement is generally the temporary or permanent halting of a process (a lawsuit) or a situation (a nuisance).
In Alabama, abatement refers to the suspension or cessation of a legal proceeding or a nuisance. When it comes to lawsuits, abatement can occur for various reasons, such as the death of a party, a lack of jurisdiction, or the resolution of the matter before a final judgment. For example, if a plaintiff or defendant passes away, the case may be abated until a representative for the deceased's estate is appointed. In the context of nuisances, abatement involves stopping activities or conditions that are harmful or bothersome to others, such as noise, pollution, or unsafe buildings. Alabama law allows for the abatement of nuisances through court orders or, in some cases, through self-help remedies, provided they are carried out without trespass or unnecessary damage. Local ordinances often provide specific procedures for nuisance abatement, and state statutes may also address particular types of nuisances, such as environmental hazards.