Preliminary Injunction

Quick definition

A preliminary injunction is a temporary court order issued early in a case to prevent likely harm before final judgment.

What it means in practice

A judge may issue a preliminary injunction after weighing factors like likelihood of success on the merits and the risk of irreparable harm. The court may pause a permit, block discharges, or require compliance steps until the case can be decided fully.

Why it matters for rights of nature

Ecosystems can’t “wait for the verdict.” Early protection can be the difference between a living river and permanent degradation.

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

Highland Valley Copper Mine, Canada: Massive Open-Pit Mining and Industrial Complex

Indigenous advocates take mining to a “Rights of Nature” tribunal in Canada

March 10, 2025

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