A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a court order requiring the parties to whom it is addressed not to engage in certain activity, or to continue to engage in certain activity, and is usually designed to maintain the current state of things (the status quo) until the court has the opportunity to hear a more complete presentation of the evidence—usually during an application for a temporary injunction that will remain in place while the lawsuit is pending.

In Arkansas, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate but short-term protection to a party who may be at risk of immediate harm or where there is a threat that property may be damaged or removed. The TRO is designed to preserve the status quo until a more formal hearing can be held for a temporary injunction, which may last for the duration of a lawsuit. To obtain a TRO, a party must file a motion along with their complaint, or at any time during the proceedings, and must demonstrate that there will be immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage that will result without the TRO. The court may issue a TRO without notice to the opposing party if it deems it necessary, but such orders typically last only a short period (up to 14 days) until the court can schedule a hearing for the temporary injunction. Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 65, governs the issuance of TROs and temporary injunctions. It is important for parties seeking a TRO to consult with an attorney to ensure proper adherence to legal procedures and to effectively present their case for the need for such an order.