What is primarily required for a protection order to be recognized across different states?

A protection order, often referred to as a restraining order, requires reciprocal state laws for it to be recognized and enforceable across different states. This is primarily due to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that states must respect public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. For a protection order issued in one state to be valid and enforced in another, the laws of both states must align regarding the issuance and enforcement of such orders.

Reciprocal state laws ensure that the orders are not only recognized but also that their terms can be enforced in a manner that is consistent with the legal processes of the state where enforcement is sought. This framework provides protection to victims across state lines, supporting their safety regardless of their location.

While judicial approval, documentation of previous incidents, and the victim's consent may be important aspects of obtaining a protection order initially, they do not on their own guarantee that the order will be enforced in another state. The key is the existence of reciprocal laws that enable courts in different jurisdictions to recognize and uphold the protections spelled out in these orders.