An injunction is a legal order issued by a court that requires a person or entity to do something or refrain from doing something. It is often used to prevent harm or to maintain the status quo in a legal dispute. Injunctions can be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances of the case. There are different types of injunctions, including preliminary injunctions, which are issued before a full hearing, and permanent injunctions, which are granted after a case is fully resolved. Violating an injunction can lead to legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.