Are Restraining Orders made Public?

[Username2]

Are there any lawyers here? If so could you perhaps tell me if it's possible to obtain information on whether or not someone has been served a restraining order? If I need to find this out, to which court would I go? I'm sure it is the case and that it was in Pretoria. Also is it unethical to ask? I don't want to do anything bad with it, but it will help me defend myself in an argument against that person. I might be 'scratching where it doesn't itch' though, so there's that. Thanks in advance.

 

[marine1]

They are called protection orders now and I would imagine any court order is available to the public

 

[Fenix_SA]

They are called protection orders now and I would imagine any court order is available to the public

Protection orders are not made public.

Only the parties involved know about the protection order, and the police - usually at the local police station.

An interim order is first made after the applicant makes a prima facie case. The respondent will then have the opportunity to defend him or herself. A final order is made if the applicant can prove that he or she is being harassed, or under threat of harm etc.

Protection orders are made under the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011, or under the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998.