What role does an "injunction" serve in civil litigation?

An injunction serves a critical function in civil litigation by compelling or prohibiting certain actions by a party. It is a judicial order that can either require an individual or entity to do something (known as a mandatory injunction) or prevent them from doing something (known as a prohibitory injunction). This legal remedy is particularly important when monetary damages would not be sufficient to address a party's grievances or when immediate action is necessary to protect rights or interests.

For instance, in situations of copyright infringement, an injunction may be issued to prevent further unauthorized use of a copyrighted work, thus preserving the rights of the copyright holder while the case is being resolved. The ability to secure an injunction demonstrates the court’s power to directly influence behavior to prevent harm and maintain the status quo during the litigation process. This remedy is fundamentally about directing actions rather than compensating for past harms, which is why it is distinct from seeking damages or other forms of relief.