Injunction

Quick definition

An injunction is a court order requiring someone to stop (or start) an action, often used to prevent ongoing ecological harm.

What it means in practice

Injunctions can be temporary or longer-term. They are commonly used when harm is ongoing or imminent, and when waiting for a full case outcome would cause irreversible damage. In environmental contexts, injunctions can pause construction, halt discharges, restore flows, or require protective measures while a case proceeds.

Why it matters for rights of nature

Injunctions are one of the most practical tools for prevention. They can stop harm early—before the ecosystem’s injury becomes permanent or much harder (and more expensive) to restore.

Related Terms

Balancing of Interests

Balancing of interests means nature’s interests are included and weighed as legally cognizable interests – without assuming nature automatically wins every conflict.

Beneficial Use

Beneficial use is a water-law principle that ties water rights to recognized uses, rather than allowing water to be hoarded.

Cause of Action

A cause of action is the specific legal claim that lets a court hear your case, what law was violated and what the plaintiff is entitled to ask for.

Declaratory Judgment

A declaratory judgment is a court decision that clarifies legal rights and duties, declaring what the law means and how it applies, without necessarily ordering immediate action.

Due Process

Due process is the legal requirement that government actions affecting rights follow fair procedures, and in some contexts, be substantively fair.

Duty of Care

A duty of care is a legal obligation to act reasonably to avoid causing foreseeable harm.

Related updates

No related updates yet – check back soon.

Standing for Nature to Appeal Ruling Striking Down Everett’s Snohomish River Rights Law

November 20, 2025

Legal Battle Looms Over Everett’s Landmark Watershed Protection Initiative

October 29, 2025

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