Abatement is generally the temporary or permanent halting of a process (a lawsuit) or a situation (a nuisance).
In South Carolina, abatement refers to the legal principle of suspending or terminating a lawsuit or a nuisance. When it comes to lawsuits, abatement can occur if a party involved in the case dies, if there is another case pending with the same parties and issues, or if the case is filed in the wrong jurisdiction. The court may order the abatement of the legal proceedings until the issue causing the abatement is resolved. Regarding nuisances, South Carolina law allows for the abatement of nuisances that affect public health, safety, peace, or comfort. This can be done through legal action by the state or local government, or by private citizens who are directly affected by the nuisance. The abatement of a nuisance may involve stopping a noise, removing a hazard, or ending some other condition that is considered harmful to the community.