What is the purpose of an injunction?

The purpose of an injunction is to direct an individual not to commit a specific act or to take certain actions. This legal remedy is often employed in situations where harm could occur if the person proceeds with their behavior, acting as a preventive measure. Courts issue injunctions to maintain the status quo and protect the rights of individuals or organizations during legal disputes.

By explicitly ordering someone to refrain from doing something, an injunction serves to safeguard interests and can prevent irreparable harm that could arise if the behavior continues. This is why option B is the accurate choice, as it succinctly encapsulates the fundamental nature of an injunction.

In contrast, other options refer to different legal concepts. Exonerating a defendant pertains to absolving them from responsibility, which does not relate to the preventative nature of an injunction. Holding a trial in abeyance refers to delaying proceedings, and changing a previous court decision is the domain of appeals, neither of which represents the directive power of an injunction.