Also known as:civil protection order · protective order · civil protective order
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A judicial directive issued to shield an individual from domestic violence, harassment, or stalking by restricting the respondent's contact with or proximity to the protected party.
Sources & Authorities· 18 primary sources
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Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Burden Objection in Order Dispute
Charles Cunningham sought a civil protection order against his former partner after repeated threats. During discovery of electronic records supporting the petition, the respondent identified certain files as inaccessible due to cost. The court required the respondent to demonstrate undue burden before limiting production.
Disclosure Duty During Prosecution
Cassandra Cooper obtained a civil protection order after an assault. The prosecutor learned of exculpatory messages that could affect the related criminal case. The prosecutor disclosed the messages to the defense while noting that a protective order could limit further dissemination.
Curtis Cannon petitioned for a civil protection order and faced discovery requests for personal financial records. He moved for limits on disclosure to avoid embarrassment. The court evaluated whether good cause existed to restrict access to the information.
Custody Compliance Under Order
Charlotte Chung held a civil protection order that included conditions for supervised contact with her child. When she refused to produce the child for a required visit, authorities sought enforcement. The court examined whether the order created a duty that overrode other privileges.
Baltimore City Department of Social Services v. Bouknight493 U.S. 549, 556 (1990)
Consent Requirement in Order Context
Cade Carpenter and Camila Cervantes disputed control over frozen embryos after their relationship ended. A prior civil protection order between them raised questions about whether one party could unilaterally direct disposition. The court held that mutual agreement remained necessary despite the order's existence.
A.Z. v. B.Z.431 Mass. 150, 725 N.E.2d 1051 (2000)
Enforcement Obligation Question
After obtaining a civil protection order, a victim reported repeated violations to police. Officers declined to arrest the respondent despite the order's terms. The court later considered whether the victim possessed an enforceable right to police action under the order.
Town of Castle Rock, Colorado v. Gonzales545 U.S. 748 (2005)
Common questions
Frequently Asked
3
What is the primary purpose of a civil protection order?+
It shields victims of domestic violence or stalking by limiting contact or proximity from the respondent.
How do civil protection orders differ from discovery protective orders?+
Civil protection orders address personal safety in abuse cases while discovery protective orders manage burdens in litigation.
Can a civil protection order be enforced through police action?+
Enforcement depends on whether the order creates a mandatory duty for officers, an issue examined in cases involving due process claims.
493 U.S. 549, 556 (1990)Criminal Procedure
…BCDSS caseworkers related that Bouknight would not cooperate with them and had in nearly every respect violated the terms of the protective order. BCDSS stated that Maurice’s father had recently died in a shooting incident and that Bouknight, in light of the results of a psychological examination and her history of drug use, could…