What is a primary characteristic of an injunction?

An injunction is a legal order issued by a court that compels an individual or entity to take a specific action or, conversely, to refrain from a particular act. This characteristic is fundamental to the nature of injunctions, as they are designed to prevent harm by enforcing a certain course of conduct. For example, a court might issue an injunction to stop a company from polluting a river, or to compel someone to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary characteristic of an injunction. While monetary fines might be associated with non-compliance in other legal contexts, injunctions themselves do not impose fines directly. Additionally, injunctions are not limited to being issued only during trials; they can be granted at various stages of legal proceedings, including pre-trial. Finally, an injunction is not merely a recommendation; it is a legally binding order that must be followed, which distinguishes it from mere suggestions or advice.