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 Dakota, 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 used in situations where there is a risk of immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage. The TRO is designed to maintain 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 in South Dakota, a party must file a motion with the court, typically accompanied by a sworn affidavit detailing the necessity for immediate relief. The court may issue a TRO without notice to the opposing party if it deems that notice would result in further harm, but such orders are generally short-lived and a hearing is scheduled promptly to determine if a longer-term injunction is warranted. The specific procedures and requirements for TROs are outlined in the South Dakota Codified Laws and the rules of the particular court where the motion is filed.