Who issues protection orders according to the information provided?

Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, are legal orders issued to protect an individual from harassment, stalking, or abuse. The correct answer indicates that both civil and criminal state courts have the authority to issue these orders.

Civil courts typically handle cases related to domestic violence, harassment, and orders of protection under specific family law statutes. Meanwhile, criminal state courts may issue protection orders as part of the criminal justice process when a defendant is charged with a crime that threatens the safety of a victim. The dual capability of these courts allows for comprehensive legal options to safeguard individuals in various contexts of threat or harm.

The other options misrepresent the sources of protection orders, as civil courts are not the only entities involved, private organizations lack legal authority, and local municipal authorities generally do not have jurisdiction over protection orders, which are primarily managed at the state court level.