What is the purpose of an injunction?

The purpose of an injunction is to serve as a legal order that either forbids a party from taking a specific action or compels them to perform a certain action. This type of order is typically used in situations where immediate relief is necessary to prevent harm or to ensure compliance with a legal obligation. For example, if one party is causing harm to another party's rights or property, a court may issue an injunction to stop the wrongful act.

Injunctions are critical in various legal scenarios, including preserving the status quo until the rights of the parties can be determined in court. They can be classified into different types, such as temporary or permanent injunctions, depending on the duration and circumstances surrounding the case.

Other choices present different legal concepts: a legal order requiring payment of damages relates to monetary compensation after a wrong has occurred, a document filed to initiate a lawsuit pertains to the formal start of legal proceedings, and a notification of a trial date involves scheduling rather than the enforcement of conduct. Each of these serves distinct functions within the legal framework, while an injunction specifically addresses actions or behavior, securing rights and preventing future harm.