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Simple English definitions for legal terms
protective order
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A quick definition of protective order:
A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop doing something that is bothering or hurting someone else. It can be used to stop someone from bothering or hurting another person during a legal process, like a trial. There are two types of protective orders: a temporary one that is given quickly to protect someone in danger, and a permanent one that is given after a hearing where both sides get to talk. The permanent order can last for a long time and can tell the person to stay away from the protected person or do certain things like go to counseling.
A more thorough explanation:
A protective order is a court order that prohibits or restricts a party from engaging in conduct that unduly annoys or burdens the opposing party or a third-party witness. It is commonly used in legal procedures such as discovery.
- Emergency Protective Order (EPO): A temporary protective order granted on an expedited basis, usually after an ex parte hearing (without notice to the other side), most commonly to provide injunctive relief from an abuser in a domestic-violence case. For example, if a victim of domestic violence is in immediate danger, a law-enforcement officer can request an EPO to provide short-term restraining order against the abuser.
- Permanent Protective Order (PPO): A protective order of indefinite duration granted after a hearing with notice to both sides. For example, a court order that prohibits an abuser from contacting or approaching the protected person for a long period, usually years. It may also require the abuser to perform certain acts such as attending counseling or providing financial support for the protected person.
These examples illustrate how protective orders can be used to provide legal protection to victims of domestic violence and other forms of harassment or abuse.