Motions in Limine
A motion in limine is a motion made before the start of a trial requesting the judge to rule on whether certain evidence may, or may not, be introduced to the jury during a trial. Usually a motion in limine is used to shield the jury from possibly inadmissible and unfairly prejudicial evidence.
In legal language: The primary purpose of a motion in limine is “to aid the trial process by enabling the Court to rule in advance of trial on the relevance of certain forecasted evidence . . . without lengthy argument at, or interruption of, the trial.” Palmieri v. Defaria, 99 F.3d 136, 141 (2d Cir. 1996).
If a motion in limine is granted by the judge, the parties may not speak about the evidence or subject in front of the jury. If they have a question about the evidence, the attorneys must approach the judge, out of the presence of the jury. If the motion is granted and the opposing party fails to obey, the judge may order a mistrial or impose sanctions on the offending party.
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