Opinion ID: 471615
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: 6 Our review of a ruling on a motion for a preliminary injunction is very limited. Apple Computer, Inc. v. Formula International, Inc., 725 F.2d 521, 523 (9th Cir.1984). The grant or denial of a motion for a preliminary injunction lies within the discretion of the district court, Sports Form, Inc. v. United Press Int'l, Inc., 686 F.2d 750, 752 (9th Cir.1982), and will be reversed only for an abuse of discretion or if the decision is based on an erroneous legal standard. Oakland Tribune, Inc. v. Chronicle Publishing Co., 762 F.2d 1374, 1376 (9th Cir.1985). 7 To obtain a preliminary injunction, a party must show either 1) a likelihood of success on the merits and the possibility of irreparable injury, or 2) the existence of serious questions going to the merits and the balance of hardships tipping in its favor. Apple Computer, 725 F.2d at 523. Absent unusual circumstances, irreparable damage is presumed and an injunction is required when an agency violates ANILCA section 810(a). Gambell II, 774 F.2d at 1422-23. 8 Because the preliminary injunction rested solely on the district court's interpretation of section 810(a), our review is, as a practical matter, de novo.