Court order that forbids a party to do something (prohibitory injunction) or compels him to do something (mandatory injunction). It may be enforced by committal to prison for contempt.

Person not able to pay his debts as they become due. Insolvency is a prerequisite for bankruptcy.

Latin: between the parties.

Temporary court order of very limited duration, usually until the court has heard the full facts of a case.

An injunction which lasts only until the end of the trial during which the order was sought, when it may be replaced by a permanent injunction.

A written confirmation of a debt, signed by the debtor, which implies an undertaking to pay the sum owed at some future date. An IOU is not a negotiable instrument and may not be passed on to a third party.