Interlocutory injunction is a legal term that refers to a temporary court order that prohibits a person or entity from taking certain actions. The pronunciation of this word is [ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtəri ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən], with emphasis on the second and fourth syllables. The spelling may seem intimidating, but it follows standard English phonetics. An "interlocutory" order is a type of legal order, while "injunction" refers specifically to the power to order someone to stop doing something.
An interlocutory injunction refers to a type of court order that is granted during the course of legal proceedings, typically in civil cases, to preserve the status quo until a final decision on the matter has been made. It is issued on a temporary basis, usually before the trial or any final judgment, with the objective of maintaining the current state of affairs until the court has the opportunity to fully investigate and make a final determination on the issues at hand.
The purpose of an interlocutory injunction is to prevent any potential harm or damage from occurring to one party while the case is ongoing. This injunction may be granted if the court believes there is a serious issue to be tried, and there is a threat of irreparable harm or loss to the party seeking the injunction. The granting of an interlocutory injunction requires the party seeking it to demonstrate a strong case with a reasonable likelihood of success and also show that the balance of convenience lies in their favour.
Typically, an interlocutory injunction is used to freeze assets, restrain a certain action, or prevent the disposal of property until the case concludes. While it is in force, it binds the parties involved and any individuals or entities associated with them. However, it is important to note that an interlocutory injunction does not represent a final determination on the merits of the case, but rather acts as a temporary measure to preserve the rights and interests of the parties involved pending the final decision of the court.
The word "interlocutory" comes from the Latin word "interlocutorius", which refers to something pertaining to a conversation or dialogue. It is derived from the Latin words "inter" meaning "between" and "loqui" meaning "to speak" or "to talk".
The term "injunction", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "injunctio", which means "command" or "order". It is derived from the Latin verb "injungere" which means "to impose" or "to attach".
Therefore, the term "interlocutory injunction" combines these two etymological roots. "Interlocutory" signifies that the injunction is issued by a court in the course of a legal proceeding, usually before the final judgment, involving a dialogue between the parties.