When you or your business become involved in a civil lawsuit, chances are you’ll hear the term “motion in limine.” A motion in limine, derived from Latin, is a motion presented to the court before trial that seeks the exclusion of certain evidence or testimony. In other words, it’s a pre-trial motion that seeks to keep certain things away from the jury or judge.
Legal professionals may use motions in limine to block certain evidence that would be prejudicial or unfairly lead to a particular outcome. These motions can also be used to prevent certain topics from being discussed. In this way, motions in limine are a great way to hone in on what is admissible in a trial.
Different Types of Motion in Limine
There are a number of different types of motion in limine. For instance, a motion can be filed to exclude evidence that is irrelevant to the case. It may also be used to exclude eyewitness testimony or expert testimony if the qualifications of that expert are not sufficient. Additionally, motions in limine are often used to exclude evidence that is overly prejudicial or that would likely result in a sentence or verdict that is not based on the facts of the case.
Examples of Motion in Limine
In a criminal case, you might see a motion in limine filed by prosecutors to exclude evidence that would be unfairly prejudicial. For example, prosecutors may file a motion to exclude evidence that has been obtained illegally. On the other hand, a defense attorney might file a motion in limine to keep out evidence of a client’s criminal record, which could have a negative impact on the jury or judge. In a civil case, motions in limine are often used to exclude evidence that is not relevant to the specific case.
The Impact of Motion in Limine
Motions in limine are an important tool for legal professionals to ensure that the evidence presented in a court of law is valid, relevant and legally binding. By rules of the court, motions in limine must be filed before trial begins in order to be considered. If they are granted, these motions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a trial or settlement.
At the end of the day, motions in limine play an important role in the outcome of civil lawsuits. It is important that legal professionals who are representing their clients understand the implications of these motions and how they can be used to their advantage.