Motion in Limine
A motion in limine is a pretrial motion made by either the prosecution or the defense to request that certain evidence be excluded from the trial or that certain legal issues be addressed in advance. The purpose of such a motion is to prevent the introduction of potentially prejudicial, irrelevant, or inadmissible evidence that could unduly influence the jury or disrupt the proceedings.
Table of Contents
Exclusion of Inflammatory Evidence
Exclusion of Inflammatory EvidenceLimiting the Scope of TestimonyPreventing Improper Comments
Preventing Improper CommentsAddressing Legal Issues in AdvanceAdmissibility of Prior Bad ActsExclusion of Inflammatory Evidence
The defense may file a motion in limine to exclude evidence that could be highly prejudicial or emotionally charged but not directly relevant to the charges at hand.
Limiting the Scope of Testimony
Either party may seek to limit the scope of witness testimony or evidence to ensure that only relevant information is presented during the trial.
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Preventing Improper Comments
A party might file a motion in limine to prevent the opposing side from making improper comments or introducing evidence that could be deemed inadmissible during opening statements or closing arguments.
Addressing Legal Issues in Advance
Parties may use a motion in limine to address legal issues, such as the admissibility of confessions, search and seizure issues, or the application of specific legal doctrines before the trial begins
Admissibility of Prior Bad Acts
The prosecution or defense may use a motion in limine to address whether certain evidence of a defendant's prior bad acts should be allowed at trial, taking into consideration the rules of evidence.
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The term "in limine" is Latin for "at the threshold," and the purpose of the motion is to address evidentiary issues at the outset of the trial, allowing the court to make rulings that will shape the course of the trial proceedings.
If you have questions about the resolution of your criminal case, contact attorney Madison Howeller today at 386-846-6043. Consultations are always free.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about a criminal case, please contact an attorney.