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 Minnesota, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to prevent immediate harm by temporarily prohibiting an individual or entity from taking certain actions. It is often used in situations involving domestic abuse, harassment, or other emergencies where immediate intervention is necessary to protect an individual or preserve the status quo. The process for obtaining a TRO in Minnesota typically involves filing a petition with the court, and if the court deems it necessary, it can issue the TRO without a hearing and without the other party present (ex parte). This TRO is usually in effect until a hearing can be held, typically within 14 days, where the court will decide whether to issue a longer-term order, such as a temporary injunction. The specific rules and procedures for TROs are outlined in the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure and relevant state statutes, such as the Minnesota Domestic Abuse Act for cases of domestic violence.