Interim measures (sometimes styled provisional measures, interim relief or provisional relief) are temporary measures issued and imposed by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in circumstances where it is seriously concerned that continued action by a signatory State to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would lead to a serious breach of rights, prior to the point at which the court is able to examine the merits of a complaint in full. This Practice Note outlines the basis and justification for the imposition of such measures, the conditions and circumstances under which they will be imposed, and details of their practical operation. It also briefly notes some of the most pertinent criticism of these measures and some relevant recent changes and reforms.