injunction

Definition

Court order forbidding something from being done (prohibitory injunction), or commanding something to be done (mandatory injunction). Injunctions are issued where mere award of damages at the end of a trial would not be satisfactory or effective, or may lead to a greater harm or injustice. Other types of injunctions are (1) Interlocutory (Preliminary): granted provisionally before a trial to maintain the status quo until the court hears both sides before granting a permanent injunction. (2) Permanent (Perpetual): granted after the hearing of a trial. (3) Ex parte, granted after hearing only one party (in case of a great urgency). (4) Interim: granted to restrain the accused until a certain date. (5) Quia timet: granted to prevent a threatened wrong or injury. All injunctions are granted at the discretion of the court and their violations are punished by means of contempt of court proceedings.