What is a motion in limine?

A motion in limine is a pretrial motion made by one party to request that certain evidence or arguments be excluded from the trial. These motions are made before the trial begins in order to prevent the jury or judge from being influenced by potentially prejudicial or irrelevant information.

The purpose of a motion in limine is to prevent the introduction of evidence that may be inadmissible or unduly prejudicial, or to restrict the scope of questioning during trial. This can help streamline the trial process and ensure that only relevant and admissible evidence is presented to the court.

Motions in limine can cover a wide range of issues, including the admissibility of certain documents or testimony, the relevance of certain evidence, the scope of expert testimony, or the potential for witness bias. These motions are typically heard and decided by the judge before the trial begins, although they can also be made during the trial in certain circumstances.

Overall, motions in limine play a crucial role in shaping the course of a trial and ensuring that both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.