Which of the following best describes a 'moratorium' in legal terms?

A 'moratorium' in legal terms refers to a temporary suspension of an activity or a law. It is often enacted to allow for further examination, deliberation, or the creation of new regulations before a particular action resumes. For instance, a moratorium might be placed on evictions, allowing a pause in such actions to protect tenants during emergencies or economic hardships. This concept highlights the idea of a limited timeframe in which certain actions are halted rather than a permanent change or ban.

This understanding helps distinguish a moratorium from other legal terms: a permanent ban indicates a definitive cessation without the possibility of reissuance; an unconditional release suggests complete freedom from obligations without restrictions; and a final decision implies a conclusive ruling that cannot be revisited. Thus, the best description of a moratorium is indeed a temporary suspension.