Balance of hardships means the court compares who suffers more harm if emergency relief is granted or denied. In injunction cases, the judge may ask: If I grant the order, what harm does it cause the defendant? If I deny the order, what harm does it cause the plaintiff? It is not just about who is right. It is about risk. Example: If one side wants a court order stopping construction, the court weighs: Stopping construction may cost the builder money. But allowing construction may permanently da