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 South Carolina, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate relief from harm by temporarily preventing an individual or entity from taking certain actions. It is often issued without the presence of the party against whom the order is directed and is designed to maintain the status quo until a formal hearing can be held. The TRO can be granted if the judge believes that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant before the adverse party can be heard in opposition. The duration of a TRO in South Carolina is typically not longer than 10 days, but it can be extended for a longer period under certain circumstances. To obtain a TRO, the applicant must file a motion along with a complaint and may be required to provide a bond to pay for any damages incurred by the party restrained if the court later finds that the restraining order should not have been granted. Following the issuance of a TRO, a hearing is scheduled for a preliminary injunction, which may last for the duration of the lawsuit if granted.