Protective Order
/ˈprəʊtɛktɪv ˈɔːrdər/
Definitions
- (n.) A court order issued to protect a person from harm or harassment, often in domestic violence or harassment cases.
The judge granted a protective order to prevent the defendant from contacting the plaintiff.
- (n.) A court directive limiting disclosure or use of certain information during litigation to protect privacy or confidentiality.
The parties agreed to a protective order to keep sensitive documents confidential.
Forms
- protective orders
Related terms
Commentary
Protective orders vary by jurisdiction and purpose—some focus on personal safety, others on confidential information during litigation; precise drafting is critical to specify scope and duration.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.