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Motion In Limine

What Is a Motion in Limine?

A motion in limine is a pretrial request made by a party to a lawsuit, asking the court to rule that certain evidence may not be introduced in the trial. This type of motion is used to prevent potentially prejudicial or irrelevant evidence from being shown to the jury, ensuring that the trial proceeds fairly and without improper influence.

Motion in Limine Explained

The term "in limine" is Latin for "at the threshold," reflecting the motion's purpose to address issues before they can impact the trial. Motions in limine are particularly common in criminal trials but are also used in civil litigation.

They can be directed at a wide range of evidence types, including but not limited to, statements, physical evidence, or expert testimony that one party considers inadmissible for various reasons, such as being overly prejudicial, irrelevant, or not meeting the standards for scientific evidence.

The judge's ruling on a motion in limine does not necessarily permanently exclude the evidence from the trial. In some cases, the situation may change during the trial, allowing for the reconsideration of the evidence's admissibility. However, a successful motion in limine can significantly shape the trial's course by limiting the topics and evidence that the jury is exposed to.

The Term Motion in Limine in Different Legal Contexts

While the basic concept of a motion in limine is consistent across both criminal and civil litigation, its application can vary significantly depending on the type of case and jurisdiction.

In criminal cases, these motions often aim to exclude evidence obtained in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights, such as illegal search and seizure, or to prevent the jury from hearing about the defendant's prior convictions that might bias their view of the defendant's character.

In civil cases, motions in limine might seek to exclude speculative evidence, prejudicial information that could sway a jury's emotions rather than their reasoning, or evidence deemed unreliable, such as certain types of expert testimony not based on solid scientific methodology.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Motion in Limine

A common misconception about motions in limine is that they are only used to exclude damaging evidence. While often used for this purpose, they can also target evidence that might unfairly advantage either party, not just the opposition. Their goal is to ensure a fair trial by focusing the jury's attention on relevant, reliable, and admissible evidence.

Another misunderstanding is that a successful motion in limine permanently bars the excluded evidence from the trial. In reality, the ruling on a motion in limine is preliminary. The court may allow the introduction of the evidence later in the trial if it becomes relevant due to developments in the case's presentation.

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What Is a Motion in Limine?

Motion in Limine Explained

The Term Motion in Limine in Different Legal Contexts

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Motion in Limine

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