Legal Definitions - exhaustion of state remedies

Definition: Exhaustion of state remedies is a legal doctrine that requires a party to use all available remedies in state court before seeking relief in federal court. For instance, a state prisoner must first exhaust all state remedies before filing a petition for habeas corpus in federal court.

Example: A person who believes their constitutional rights have been violated by a state government official must first file a complaint in state court and pursue all available remedies before seeking relief in federal court. This means that they must exhaust all possible state court appeals before filing a federal lawsuit.

Explanation: The exhaustion of state remedies doctrine ensures that state courts have the opportunity to address and correct any alleged violations of state or federal law before a federal court intervenes. This helps to promote comity between state and federal courts and allows state courts to develop and interpret their own laws.