An injunction is an equitable remedy in the form of a court order by which a party is required to do, or to refrain from doing, certain acts.  If a party fails to adhere to the injunction, s/he faces civil or criminal penalties and may have to pay damages or accept sanctions for failing to follow the court’s order.

An injunction may be either permanent or temporary.  A preliminary injunction, or an interlocutory injunction, is a provisional remedy granted to restrain activity until the court can make a final decision after trial.