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 New York, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal order issued by a court that requires one or more parties to refrain from certain actions or to continue certain actions temporarily, usually to maintain the status quo until a more comprehensive hearing can take place. This is often a precursor to a preliminary injunction, which may last for the duration of a lawsuit. TROs are commonly used in various types of cases, including domestic violence, harassment, and business disputes. To obtain a TRO, a party must file an application with the court, often accompanied by an affidavit or verified complaint detailing the need for immediate relief. The court may issue a TRO without notice to the opposing party if it believes that giving notice would result in harm or if the harm would occur before the opposition can be heard. However, a subsequent hearing is typically scheduled promptly to determine if the TRO should be converted into a preliminary injunction. The specific procedures and requirements for TROs are outlined in the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR).