A party may obtain injunctive relief in the circuit court by (a) restraining order, (b) temporary injunction, or (c) permanent injunction in a final judgment. A restraining order shall only restrict the doing of an act. An injunction may restrict or mandatorily direct the doing of an act. Injunctive relief shall not be granted in any action in the district court except as specifically authorized by statute.
Rule 65.01.Injunctive relief.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceKentucky circuit courts may grant injunctive relief through a restraining order, a temporary injunction, or a permanent injunction entered in the final judgment; a restraining order may only stop an act, an injunction may also compel one, and district courts may issue such relief only when a statute specifically authorizes it.
Full Text of Rule 65.01
Amendment History
(Amended effective June 1, 1960; amended October 14, 1977, effective January 1, 1978; amended February 14, 1978, effective March 1, 1978.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 65.01 lays out the menu of injunctive relief available in Kentucky circuit courts. A restraining order addresses an urgent, short-term problem -- it can only tell someone to stop doing something. A temporary injunction runs longer, while a case is pending, and can go further: it can restrict an act or mandatorily direct one. A permanent injunction is different still -- it's part of the final judgment that resolves the case.
District courts don't share this general power. They may issue injunctive relief only when a statute specifically authorizes it for the matter before them. Anyone seeking an injunction in district court needs to point to that statutory authority rather than relying on the general civil rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a restraining order and an injunction in Kentucky?
A restraining order can only restrict the doing of an act. An injunction can restrict an act or mandatorily direct one, so it can order someone to do something as well as stop doing something.
Can I get a permanent injunction in a Kentucky civil case?
Yes. A party may obtain a permanent injunction as part of the final judgment that resolves the action.
Can a Kentucky district court issue a restraining order or injunction?
Only if a statute specifically authorizes injunctive relief in that district court proceeding. Rule 65.01 otherwise limits injunctive relief to the circuit court.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 65.01). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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