In US legal terminology, the distinction between the words "may" and "shall" is significant, as highlighted in the Supreme Court case Opati v. Republic of Sudan. The court emphasized that the use of "may" indicates discretion, whereas "shall" implies a mandatory action. This differentiation is crucial in legislative and legal contexts, where the choice of words can determine the extent of authority or obligation. The ruling in Opati v. Republic of Sudan, 590 U.S. 418, 428 (2020), underscores the importance of precise language in legal documents and the implications it holds for interpreting legislative intent.