Abatement is generally the temporary or permanent halting of a process (a lawsuit) or a situation (a nuisance).
In Maryland, abatement refers to the legal principle of suspending or terminating a lawsuit or a nuisance. If a lawsuit is abated, it may be due to various reasons such as the death of a party, a pending decision on a similar case, or a defect in the proceedings that needs to be rectified before the case can proceed. Abatement of a nuisance, on the other hand, involves stopping activities or conditions that are harmful to others, such as noise, pollution, or illegal construction. Maryland law allows for the abatement of nuisances through court orders, and local governments may have specific ordinances addressing nuisance abatement. In some cases, individuals may take direct action to abate a nuisance, but this must be done carefully to avoid legal liability. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand the specific legal remedies and procedures available for abatement in Maryland.