What legal concept is primarily used to restrict or stop an action in progress?

The legal concept primarily used to restrict or stop an action in progress is an injunction. An injunction is a court order that directs a party to do or refrain from doing specific acts. It is often utilized in situations where irreparable harm may occur if the action is allowed to continue. For example, if a construction project is found to be in violation of zoning regulations, a court might issue an injunction to halt the construction until the legal issues are resolved. This tool is essential in code enforcement as it provides a mechanism for immediate relief while the underlying legal matters are addressed.

Injunctions can take various forms, such as preliminary injunctions, which are temporary orders issued before a full hearing on the merits of the case, and permanent injunctions, which are issued after the conclusion of a case and are designed to provide lasting relief. Their ability to immediately stop harmful actions makes them crucial tools in protecting public interests within code enforcement contexts.