Abstinence

Abstinence

What does Abstinence mean in American Law?

The definition of Abstinence in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

In general, self-denial, especially of some pleasurable activity. Abstinence may be indulged in either out of a belief that the superficially pleasing (e.g., alcohol or sex) is really destructive of body or soul or that present abstinence will lead to the opportunity for more or better pleasure in the future, e.g., delaying the gratifications that can be bought with money by saving it instead of instantly consuming what it can buy, perhaps lending it out or using it productively in the meantime. It has been said that interest and profit is the economic return to abstinence. See agio theory of interest. It should be noted that the first ground for abstinence is really a special case of the second.

Abstinence, Sexual Behaviour and the Law

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