"Principal" vs. "principle"

Appellate practice

Oct 4

Written By

In a curious coincidence, three courts confused the words "principal" and "principle" in opinions issued within the past ten days:

"[N]ot all class members will want to [rescind] because it requires returning the loan priniciple in exchange for the release of the lien ...." Andrews v. Chevy Chase Bank, ___ F.3d ___ (7th Cir. Sept. 24, 2008) (slip op. at 8).
"HP argues the trial court erred in refusing to apply the principals of Daugherty to the determination of class certification." Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Superior Court, ___ Cal.App.4th ___ (Sept. 26, 2008) (Sixth Appellate District) (slip op. at 7).
"Hence, negligent driving of postal trucks was a principle activity for which Congress wanted to create liability when the FTCA waived sovereign immunity." MB.Financial Group, Inc. v. United States Postal Service, ___ F.3d ___ (9th Cir. Sept. 25, 2008) (slip op. at 13770) (via California Appellate Report).

CAOC Annual Convention, Nov. 7-9, 2008