What is the purpose of an injunction in civil disputes and when is it used?

• A. An injunction is a court order deciding guilt or innocence.
• B. An injunction is a court order requiring or prohibiting action; used to prevent harm or maintain the status quo pending resolution.
• C. An injunction is a summary of evidence.
• D. An injunction is a judgment for damages.

Answer: (B)

An injunction is a court order that either requires a party to do something or prohibits them from doing something. In civil disputes, its purpose is to prevent harm or maintain the situation as it is while the case is decided, especially when there’s urgency or a risk of irreparable damage if no order is made. Injunctions can be temporary (interim) or permanent, and they can be prohibitory (stop a action) or mandatory (force a specific action). They are a remedy used to control conduct during the proceedings, not a ruling on guilt or innocence, nor a summary of evidence, nor a judgment for damages.