Misconduct Restraining Orders (MROs)

You can apply to the court for a Misconduct Restraining Order (MRO) against someone who is not a family member, if you need protection because of their disruptive, offensive or destructive behaviour

An MRO makes it unlawful for a person to do certain things, in order to try and stop them from continuing their poor behaviour. This person might be a neighbour, colleague, or member of a club or association.

Find out:

  • when the court can make an MRO, and
  • what restrictions can be included in an MRO.

When will the court make an MRO?

The court can make an MRO against someone (called the respondent), if they are likely to:

  • behave in a way that would reasonably intimidate or offend you
  • damage property that you own or possess, or
  • behave in a way that is, or is likely to lead to, a breach of the peace.

If the court is satisfied that without the MRO, the respondent would be likely to do any of those things, it can only make an MRO if:

  • you are not in a family relationship with the respondent, and
  • having taken into account a range of factors, it is appropriate in the circumstances to make an MRO.

If you are in a family relationship with the respondent, you may be able to apply for an FVRO against them.

What is a 'breach of the peace'?

A breach of the peace is a legal term that describes disruptive or disorderly behaviour, such as:

  • regularly yelling or shouting in public
  • protesting in a way that prevents people from carrying out their work, or
  • intimidating people who are trying to enter or use a public place. 

What restrictions can be included in an MRO?

An MRO can include whatever restrictions the court thinks are appropriate to stop the respondent from continuing the problem behaviour, such as:

  • coming to or near where you live or work
  • being at or near a certain place
  • coming within a certain distance of you
  • contacting or trying to communicate with you in any way.

If the respondent breaks any of those restrictions, they are committing a criminal offence.

 

Resources

 

Reviewed: 1 May 2020

Disclaimer

The information displayed on this page is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should see a lawyer. Legal Aid Western Australia aims to provide information that is accurate, however does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided on this page or incorporated into it by reference.