What is a permanent order issued by a court to prevent harm to others called?

A permanent order issued by a court to prevent harm to others is an injunction. This legal order is designed to require an individual or entity to do, or refrain from doing, specific acts that would cause harm. Injunctions can be particularly important in situations where there is an imminent threat of injury, ensuring that harmful actions are stopped before they can cause significant damage.

Injunctive relief is often sought to protect rights or property, especially when monetary damages are insufficient to rectify the harm that could occur. The court considers the likelihood of harm and the balance of hardships when issuing an injunction, thus making it a powerful tool in legal proceedings to maintain the status quo or protect individuals from future harm.

Other terms like subpoena and mandate serve different legal purposes. A subpoena compels a person to testify or produce evidence, while a mandate typically refers to an official order or command given by a court or higher authority. The option "cease and desist" is often used colloquially to describe a request to halt an action, but it does not have the same formal legal standing as an injunction, which is enforceable by law.