In Limine
Literal meaning: “At the threshold; at the outset.”
What does the Latin term "In Limine" mean in law?
A motion in limine is a pretrial motion requesting the court to rule on the admissibility of evidence before it is presented to the jury. The purpose is to prevent prejudicial, irrelevant, or otherwise inadmissible evidence from being mentioned during trial, where even a passing reference could taint the jury's deliberations. Motions in limine are commonly used to exclude evidence of prior convictions, insurance coverage, settlement negotiations, or other matters that could unfairly prejudice a party. The court's ruling on a motion in limine may be final or may be subject to reconsideration as the trial unfolds and context changes.
Source: Procedure · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
A motion in limine is a pretrial motion requesting the court to rule on the admissibility of evidence before it is presented to the jury. The purpose is to prevent prejudicial, irrelevant, or otherwise inadmissible evidence from being mentioned during trial, where even a passing reference could taint the jury's deliberations. Motions in limine are commonly used to exclude evidence of prior convictions, insurance coverage, settlement negotiations, or other matters that could unfairly prejudice a party. The court's ruling on a motion in limine may be final or may be subject to reconsideration as the trial unfolds and context changes.
How It's Used
In limine is used in trial practice when attorneys seek advance rulings on evidentiary issues. It is a key concept in evidence and civil procedure courses. Filing motions in limine is a standard part of pretrial preparation in both civil and criminal cases.
Example Sentences
Defense counsel filed a motion in limine to exclude evidence of the defendant's prior arrests, arguing they were more prejudicial than probative.
The court granted the motion in limine and ordered that no witness could refer to the plaintiff's insurance coverage.
The ruling in limine was provisional; the judge reserved the right to reconsider if the evidence became relevant during trial.