The core legal definition of "abuse of process" centers on the improper use of a court's procedures for an ulterior purpose, distinct from the merits of the case itself. Unlike filing a weak but genuine claim—which may be dismissed for lacking evidence or legal basis but is not inherently malicious—abuse of process occurs when a party knowingly misuses legal tools (e.g., subpoenas, liens, or lawsuits) to achieve a collateral objective outside the scope of the proceeding, such as harassment, extortion, or undue pressure. Crucially, abuse of process requires intent to pervert the legal system’s mechanisms, whereas a weak case merely reflects a failing on the substantive merits without such improper motives. This distinction ensures that courts penalize procedural bad faith rather than mere legal or factual insufficiency.
