PROTECTIVE ORDER

any order issued for the purpose of protecting a party from some abuse of the legal system. Under federal rules of civil procedure the court may make any order that justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression or undue burden or expense. The rule specifically mentions various discovery matters, including the time, place, and subject matter of discovery, and the protection of trade secrets. Under federal rules of criminal procedure the court is specifically authorized to limit discovery in criminal cases as may be appropriate. Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016