Evidence
Motion in Limine
A pretrial motion asking the court to admit, exclude, or limit specific evidence before the jury hears it.
Plain-English definition
A motion in limine is a trial gatekeeping motion. Lawyers use it to keep inflammatory, irrelevant, privileged, unreliable, or unfairly prejudicial evidence away from the jury. The ruling helps both sides plan openings, witness exams, and settlement risk.
How it works
Local rules and trial orders usually set deadlines. Some rulings are final for trial; others are preliminary and can be revisited as the evidence develops.
Why it matters
Evidence rulings can decide the practical value of a case. A claim may survive summary judgment but collapse if key proof is excluded.
Related terms
Daubert Motion
A pre-trial challenge to the admissibility of expert testimony, asking the court to act as gatekeeper over scientific or technical evidence.
Relevance
The threshold evidence concept requiring proof to make a consequential fact more or less likely.
Rule 403
The rule allowing relevant evidence to be excluded when unfair prejudice, confusion, delay, or waste substantially outweighs its value.
More in Evidence
Attorney-Client Privilege
A protection for confidential communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice.
Authentication
The requirement to show that evidence is what the offering party claims it is.
Burden of Proof
The obligation to prove a claim, defense, or issue to the required legal standard.
Business Records Exception
A hearsay exception for records kept in the regular course of business under reliable recordkeeping conditions.
Clear and Convincing Evidence
A heightened proof standard requiring evidence stronger than preponderance but below beyond a reasonable doubt.
Daubert Motion
A pre-trial challenge to the admissibility of expert testimony, asking the court to act as gatekeeper over scientific or technical evidence.
Expert Witness
A witness allowed to give opinion testimony because specialized knowledge will help the factfinder understand evidence or decide facts.
Hearsay
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what the statement asserts.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.