Legal Definitions - temporary restraining order (TRO)

A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a type of court order that prevents someone from doing something until a more permanent decision can be made. It is usually used to stop someone from causing immediate harm or damage to another person or property.

For example, if someone is selling fake designer handbags, the designer company can ask the court for a TRO to stop the seller from continuing to sell the fake bags until a more permanent decision can be made. This is what happened in the case of Matter of Vuitton et Fils.

In federal court, a TRO can be requested by a plaintiff if they can show that they will suffer immediate and irreparable harm if the defendant is not stopped from doing something. The court can issue a TRO without giving notice to the defendant if the plaintiff can show why notice is not necessary.

State courts also issue TROs to prevent harassment or harm between parties. For example, in California, a person who has suffered harassment can ask for a TRO to stop the harasser from contacting them.

Overall, a TRO is a temporary solution to prevent immediate harm or damage until a more permanent decision can be made by the court.