What is a temporary order forbidding a certain action called?

A temporary order forbidding a certain action is referred to as a restraining order. This legal directive is typically issued by a court to prohibit an individual or entity from engaging in specific conduct, often to prevent harm or distress to another party. The primary purpose of a restraining order is to maintain peace and prevent further conflict while a legal dispute is resolved.

A restraining order can be specific in its constraints, identifying the particular actions that are prohibited and for what duration the order is effective. This legal tool is commonly used in situations involving domestic violence, harassment, or threats, enabling immediate relief for the protected party until a formal hearing can take place.

The other terms mentioned relate to different legal concepts. An injunction generally refers to a court order that requires a party to do or refrain from doing specific acts but can be either temporary or permanent. A stay order is a suspension of a judicial proceeding, while a declaratory judgment is a court's determination of the legal relationship and duties between parties without ordering any specific action. Therefore, while these terms are connected to legal proceedings, the context of temporarily forbidding an action distinctly aligns with the definition of a restraining order.