abuse of discretion

Noun

 * 1)  The rendering of a decision by a court that is so unreasonable in light of the facts of the case or is such an unreasonable deviation from legal precedent that it must be reversed.
 * 2)  Any action by a government official by which that official renders decisions for a clearly improper purpose.

Usage notes
Abuse of discretion is one of the three standards by which common law court decisions are reviewed on appeal; the other two are de novo and clear error.

Translations

 * Spanish: