Understanding Interlocutory: What It Means for Businesses

Interlocutory is a legal term associated with pending legal actions or proceedings. It’s a broad concept used to describe that a court has made a decision, however that decision is not final and may still be subject to a change. This means that any decision made that is described as being interlocutory is not considered binding or absolute until there is a decision made by the court that is stated to be final.

For businesses, interlocutory decisions can have serious implications. This can be a particular issue if an interlocutory decision goes against a business. It’s important to remember that until a final decision has been made, the circumstance could still be subject to change. Businesses should pay careful attention to the wording of any court decision they are party to and be aware that any extenuating circumstances could still be subject to review.

Practical Examples of Interlocutory Decisions

One common example of an interlocutory situation is when a business is subject to a temporary restraining order. This means that a court has ordered that a specific action of a business not be taken. This order is not set in stone, however, and a business could still defend itself and seek to have the restraining order removed. This is where interlocutory is useful because the business can plead its case and the court can choose to amend the ruling.

Another instance of interlocutory is when a court orders a preliminary injunction. This governs the actions of the parties in a case while the court is considering its final decision. In this case, the court may choose later to either keep the injunction in place or alter it in some way.

Conclusion: Interlocutory Has Real Implications for Businesses

For businesses, interlocutory decisions can have real implications. It’s essential that businesses understand the possible outcomes and implications of any court decision that is given in an interlocutory state. Interlocutory decisions are not set in stone and can be subject to amendment or being overturned completely. Businesses should pay close attention to these decisions and be aware that these interlocutory situations will be subject to court review.