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Preliminary Injunction
A preliminary injunction is a court order that tells someone to do or stop doing something while the lawsuit is still going on, to prevent harm before a final decision.
What it actually is
It is a temporary remedy issued early in a case when the court finds that the moving party is likely to succeed on the merits and would suffer irreparable harm without it. The order lasts until the final judgment or until the court modifies or dissolves it.
Why it matters in your case
It matters because it can force or block actions immediately, such as stopping a business practice or preserving property, which can shift the balance of power in a case. If you are on the receiving end, you must comply or face contempt, even if you believe you will win later.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse a preliminary injunction with a temporary restraining order (TRO), but a TRO is even shorter and issued without notice in emergencies. Another common mistake is thinking it decides the whole case; it only maintains the status quo until trial.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.