What term describes a provisional or temporary legal status that is not yet finalized?

The term that describes a provisional or temporary legal status that is not yet finalized is "interlocutory." An interlocutory order is a type of ruling made by a judge that is not final and does not conclude the legal proceedings. Instead, it addresses specific aspects of a case while it is still ongoing, allowing parties to proceed with certain actions or providing temporary relief until a final judgment is reached.

This concept is crucial in the legal system, as it allows for timely decisions on urgent matters that can arise during litigation, such as temporary restraining orders or matters of discovery. By having options like interlocutory orders, the judicial process can be more efficient and responsive to the needs of the parties involved.

In contrast, the other terms do not pertain to provisional legal statuses. For instance, a judgment refers to a final decision made by a court regarding the rights and obligations of the parties involved. Interrogatories are a form of written questions used in the discovery process to gather information from the other party. Joinder pertains to the joining of parties or claims in a single legal action, which does not convey a temporary or provisional status.