Motion in limine

Definition

A motion in limine is a pretrial request made to the court to exclude certain evidence from being presented during the trial. This type of motion is typically used to prevent prejudicial information that could unfairly sway the jury or impact the fairness of the trial from being introduced. By addressing evidentiary issues before the trial begins, a motion in limine helps streamline the proceedings and ensures that only relevant, admissible evidence is considered.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motions in limine are often filed before the trial begins, but can also be made during the trial if unexpected evidentiary issues arise.
2. The party filing a motion in limine must provide a compelling argument as to why the evidence should be excluded, often citing legal precedents and rules of evidence.
3. Rulings on motions in limine can significantly impact the trial, as they determine what evidence the jury will hear and can shape the overall strategy of both parties.
4. Judges have broad discretion when ruling on motions in limine, which means outcomes can vary depending on the specific judge and circumstances.
5. While a granted motion in limine excludes certain evidence, it does not prevent a party from raising similar issues later in appeals if they believe their rights were violated.

Review Questions

• How do motions in limine influence trial strategy for both parties involved?
  • Motions in limine play a critical role in shaping trial strategy by determining which pieces of evidence can be presented to the jury. If one party successfully excludes key evidence, the opposing party must adjust their strategy to either compensate for the lack of that evidence or find alternative means to support their case. This can involve focusing more on other types of evidence or modifying arguments to ensure they remain persuasive without the excluded material.
• Evaluate how the ruling on a motion in limine might affect a jury's perception during a trial.
  • The ruling on a motion in limine can significantly impact a jury's perception by controlling what information they are allowed to consider. If prejudicial evidence is excluded, jurors may form their opinions based solely on factual and relevant information, leading to a fairer outcome. Conversely, if such evidence is allowed, it may bias jurors and influence their judgment unfairly, potentially resulting in an unjust verdict.
• Critically assess the implications of a judge’s discretion when ruling on motions in limine and how it affects legal predictability.
  • The discretion judges exercise when ruling on motions in limine creates variability that can complicate legal predictability for attorneys preparing for trial. Different judges may have distinct interpretations of what constitutes prejudicial or admissible evidence, which can lead to inconsistent outcomes across similar cases. This unpredictability can challenge lawyers' ability to develop reliable strategies and may require them to adapt quickly based on individual judicial preferences during pretrial motions.

Related terms

Admissibility: The quality of evidence that allows it to be presented in court; admissibility is determined by rules of evidence.

Prejudicial Evidence: Evidence that may unfairly sway the jury or lead to an unjust outcome due to its inflammatory or misleading nature.

Trial Procedure: The sequence of steps and rules governing how a trial is conducted, including the presentation of evidence and the examination of witnesses.