comity legal definition

The deference and recognition that the courts of one jurisdiction give to the law and the judicial decisions and proceedings of another jurisdiction as a matter of courtesy and respect rather than out of obligation. For example, comity normally prevents a federal court from interfering with a state criminal action. Likewise, American courts usually recognize the judicial decisions (for example, a judgment or a divorce decree) of another country if it is determined that the judicial procedures of that country are substantially fair. See also abstention, full faith and credit, and relinquishment.