Can a temporary restraining order be issued for willful non-cooperation during an investigative process?

A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal tool that can be utilized to immediately halt certain actions to prevent harm or injustice during a legal proceeding. It is often used to ensure compliance, especially when one party is not cooperating with an investigation or legal process. In this context, if an individual is willfully non-cooperating during an investigative process, a TRO can be justified to compel compliance and maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.

This capability reflects the court's interest in ensuring that investigations proceed without obstruction, as non-cooperation can obstruct justice and hinder the discovery of relevant facts. The issuance of a TRO serves as a means of enforcing obligations and protecting the integrity of the process.

Other options suggest restrictions or additional requirements, such as a serious complaint or the discretion of a Board, which may imply that TROs are not broadly applicable for non-cooperation or require a higher threshold than necessary. However, it is important to recognize that the fundamental purpose of a TRO is to address situations where immediate action is required to prevent harm or to facilitate the investigative process, making it appropriate in cases of willful non-cooperation.