A "no contact" order as a stipulation of bond is what in relation to a protection order or restraining order?

A "no contact" order as a stipulation of bond is not the same as a protection order or restraining order due to the distinct legal contexts and purposes they serve. A no-contact order is typically issued by a judge in the context of a criminal case, often as a condition of a defendant's release on bail. It prohibits the defendant from contacting the victim or witnesses involved in the case.

In contrast, a protection order or restraining order is usually a civil matter aimed at addressing instances of abuse, harassment, or stalking. These orders are issued to prohibit one person from contacting or coming near another person to protect the latter's safety and well-being.

The essence of the distinction lies in their purposes: while both serve to keep individuals apart, a no-contact order is related to a specific legal process tied to a criminal case, and can result from a judge's discretion following an arrest. A protection or restraining order, however, is typically initiated by a victim seeking legal protection from ongoing threats or violence, making it a separate legal mechanism. This fundamental difference underscores why the correct answer is that a "no contact" order is not the same as a protection order or restraining order.