Which statement about temporary restraining orders is accurate?

• A. They are long-term orders to be enforced indefinitely.
• B. They require the defendant to attend a hearing in person.
• C. They are permanent.
• D. They are short-term orders to prevent harm until a hearing, typically obtained ex parte with justification and notice.

Answer: (D)

Temporary restraining orders are short-term protective measures designed to prevent imminent harm until a full hearing can occur. They aren’t meant to last forever or become permanent; their purpose is to preserve the situation while the case is decided. Because danger can be immediate, courts can grant these orders on an urgent basis, often without the respondent present at the time (ex parte) when the applicant shows justification. After the TRO is issued, the restrained party is given notice and a hearing is scheduled to decide whether the order should continue or be replaced with a longer remedy. This combination—short duration, purpose to prevent harm, and urgent issuance with notice for the upcoming hearing—best describes how TROs work.