The following excerpt is from Nealey v. Transportacion Maritima Mexicana, S. A., 662 F.2d 1275 (9th Cir. 1980):
4 We do not much like the term "abuse" in this context. It has pejorative connotations not here appropriate. But it has become the customary word. Perhaps "misuse" is milder. What we mean, when we say that a court abused its discretion, is merely that we think that it made a mistake.
Pearson v. Dennison, 353 F.2d 24, 28 n.6 (9th Cir. 1963).
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.