What is the difference between a restraining order and an injunction?

A restraining order and an injunction are both procedures that are available in Massachusetts court to protect an individual from an abusive or harassing situation. A restraining order is a court order that legally obligates an individual to refrain from specific contact or activity with the person who requested the restraining order. This includes personal contact, contact through telephone or mail, and other forms of contact. The individual who is subject to the restraining order must also stay a certain distance away from the person who requested the restraining order. In Massachusetts, restraining orders are typically issued for a period of one year, and may either be issued by a judge or a clerk-magistrate. An injunction, on the other hand, is an order of the court that requires a person to either do something or refrain from doing something. Injunctions may be granted in a wide variety of circumstances, including when a person’s safety or property rights are threatened. Unlike restraining orders, injunctions may be granted for an indefinite period of time, and often include detailed instructions about what must be done or avoided, before the injunction can be lifted. In summary, while both restraining orders and injunctions are court orders that can be used to protect individuals from abusive or harassing behavior, a restraining order is limited to a one-year period and restricts only contact between two people while an injunction is often indefinite and can be used to dictate a wide variety of behavior.

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