What is the legal term for an order issued by a court that forbids or requires a specific performance?

The legal term for an order issued by a court that forbids or requires a specific performance is an injunction. An injunction is a powerful legal remedy that directs a party to either perform a specific act or to refrain from certain behavior. It is commonly used in various legal scenarios, such as preventing a party from taking an action that would cause harm or ordering them to take a specific action that is necessary to resolve a dispute.

This type of order is essential in ensuring that rights are protected and that legal obligations are enforced without requiring a monetary damages award. For instance, in cases involving property disputes, an injunction might be issued to prevent a party from trespassing or to compel a landowner to maintain their property according to certain standards.

Other terms, while related to legal proceedings, serve different functions. A court order can encompass a broad range of directives issued by a court, but it does not specifically imply the action of forbidding or requiring action as an injunction does. A mandate typically refers to an order from a higher court directing a lower court to act accordingly, while a summons is a document that notifies a person of a legal action against them, requiring their presence in court. Thus, injunction is the most accurate term in this context.