eli5 What does it mean when a court “temporary blocks” a law, an agenda, etc. and what’s the purpose of it?

Question

eli5 What does it mean when a court “temporary blocks” a law, an agenda, etc. and what’s the purpose of it?

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Answer 1

The legal process can take a while to play out. Both sides have to prepare their cases, then court proceedings, then the judge has to issue a ruling, etc. But what happens while the processis ongoing? This is where one side will petition the court to block a law temporarily while the legal process plays out. The judge will basically ask the question “how much harm will be made if the law is enacted and then struck down?” to determine what it’s status will be in the interim.