Prohibition Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Prohibition, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Prohibition?

It’s a law which forbids or prevents certain activity by the order of the court ( also known as writ of prohibition)

History and Meaning of Prohibition

Prohibition refers to a legal measure that prohibits or forbids certain activities by court order. It is often used in the context of preventing the sale, production, or distribution of certain substances, such as alcohol and drugs. The term gained widespread use in the early 20th century in the United States, when a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol was enacted in 1919.

The Prohibition era lasted until 1933, and during this time, the illegal production and sale of alcohol flourished, leading to widespread crime and corruption. While the ban was intended to reduce crime and improve society, it ultimately had the opposite effect, leading to increased criminal activity and the rise of organized crime.

Today, prohibition is often used to refer to laws that restrict certain activities, such as the sale or use of certain drugs, gambling, and prostitution.

Examples of Prohibition

  1. The sale of cigarettes to minors is prohibited by law.
  2. In some states, the possession of marijuana is prohibited.
  3. The use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports is prohibited.
  4. It is prohibited to drink alcohol in public in some cities.
  5. The production and sale of ivory is prohibited in many countries to prevent poaching and protect elephants.

Legal Terms Similar to Prohibition

  1. Injunction: A court order that requires an individual or organization to stop certain activities.
  2. Restraining Order: A legal order that prohibits an individual from engaging in certain behaviors, often in the context of domestic violence.
  3. Cease and Desist Order: A legal order that requires an individual, group, or organization to stop certain actions, often in the context of intellectual property infringement.