injunction

An injunction is a court order that either requires a person or organization to do a specific act or prohibits them from certain conduct. It is a form of equitable relief used to prevent harm, protect rights, or compel performance when monetary damages would be inadequate.

Types of injunctions include prohibitory injunctions, which stop a party from taking a specified action, and mandatory injunctions, which compel a party to take a particular action. In common law jurisdictions, injunctions may be issued on an interim basis, such as a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a preliminary (interlocutory) injunction, while a full hearing or trial determines whether a permanent injunction should be entered. A permanent injunction is a final remedy granted after a merits determination.

Grounds for granting an injunction are generally discretionary and depend on several factors. Courts typically consider whether the applicant has shown a likelihood of success on the merits, whether there would be irreparable harm without relief, whether there is an adequate remedy at law, the balance of equities (which side would suffer more), and, in some cases, the public interest.

The procedure usually involves filing a civil action, with a TRO available in urgent situations (sometimes issued without notice). After notice and a hearing, a court may issue a preliminary injunction, and after a trial, a permanent injunction may be entered. Violating an injunction can lead to contempt of court and penalties.

In practice, injunctions are used across civil, commercial, intellectual property, and family law contexts to maintain status quo, protect rights, or enforce obligations. Jurisdictional rules vary, but the core concept remains a court-ordered remedy designed to prevent or compel conduct.