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 Kentucky, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate but short-term protection to individuals or entities by ordering another party to cease or continue certain actions. It is often used in situations where immediate harm might occur without court intervention. The TRO is designed to maintain the status quo until a formal hearing can be held for a temporary injunction, which may last for the duration of a legal action. To obtain a TRO in Kentucky, a party must file a motion with the court, typically demonstrating 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 are generally of very short duration, usually 14 days, and the party affected by the TRO must be given an opportunity to contest it at a subsequent hearing. The specific procedures and requirements for TROs are outlined in the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure.