What is a super-injunction?

A super-injunction is specifically designed to prevent not only the publication of certain information but also to prohibit the media from reporting the existence of the injunction itself. This means that if a court issues a super-injunction, journalists and other entities are legally barred from disclosing that the injunction has been granted, along with any related information that the injunction is meant to protect. This extraordinary legal tool is often employed in cases where there is a significant risk of harm or serious implications if the information were to be made public, such as in matters involving privacy rights or sensitive personal information.

Other types of injunctions may prohibit the dissemination of particular details or information but do not include restrictions on reporting about the existence of the injunction itself. For instance, a traditional injunction may only stop the release of specific data or statements, but does not prevent media from acknowledging that they are under an injunction. This makes super-injunctions unique and particularly controversial in discussions about press freedom and public interest, as they can serve to obscure legal processes from public scrutiny.