Legal Definitions - no-contact order

A no-contact order is a legal directive issued by a court that prohibits one individual from having any form of contact with another specific individual. This prohibition is broad and typically includes direct physical contact, communication through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or even indirect contact through third parties. Its primary purpose is to protect a person from potential harassment, threats, or harm, often in the context of a criminal case, domestic dispute, or civil protection matter.

Here are some examples illustrating how a no-contact order might be applied:

• Example 1: Criminal Case Following an Altercation

  After a heated argument escalated into a physical altercation between two neighbors, Mr. Henderson and Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Henderson is arrested and charged with assault. As a condition of his release from jail while awaiting trial, the court issues a no-contact order. This order strictly prohibits Mr. Henderson from approaching, calling, texting, emailing, or otherwise communicating with Ms. Rodriguez, either directly or through another person. It also prevents him from going to her home or workplace. This order ensures Ms. Rodriguez's safety and prevents any further intimidation or conflict while the legal proceedings are underway.

• Example 2: Workplace Harassment

  A former employee, David, was terminated from his job after repeated instances of harassing his colleague, Lisa. Despite his termination, David continued to send Lisa unwanted emails and social media messages, and even showed up near her office building. Lisa successfully petitioned a court for a no-contact order against David. This order legally compels David to cease all communication and physical proximity to Lisa, providing her with legal protection against his persistent harassment and allowing her to feel safe at work and in her daily life.

• Example 3: Educational Setting After Bullying Incidents

  Following a series of severe bullying incidents at a university, where one student, Chloe, repeatedly threatened and intimidated another student, Ben, both online and in person, the university administration intervened. In conjunction with a court, a no-contact order was issued against Chloe. This order mandates that Chloe must maintain a specified distance from Ben on campus, prohibits her from sending him any digital messages, and forbids her from attempting to communicate with him through mutual friends. This measure aims to ensure Ben's safety and ability to pursue his education without fear of harassment.