EXTRAORDINARY REMEDY: a remedy not usually available in an action at law or in equity, and ordinarily not employed unless the evidence clearly indicates that such a remedy is necessary to preserve the rights of the party. Examples include the appointment of a receiver, a decree of specific performance, the issuing of a writ of mandamus or writ of prohibition or of an injunction.
PROVISIONAL REMEDY: one provided pursuant to a proceeding incidental to and in connection with a regular action, invoked while the primary action is pending, to assure that the claimant's rights will be preserved or that he or she will not suffer irreparable injury. Its connection to the primary action is termed collateral. Examples include attachment, temoprary restaining orders, preliminary injunctions, appointment of receivers.
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Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; ©