motion in limine

Definition

A pre-trial request asking the judge to exclude certain evidence from being presented to the jury. Think of it as lawyerly gatekeeping—keeping the jury from hearing things that might prejudice them before the trial even starts.

Example Usage

Our team filed a motion in limine to prevent the prosecution from mentioning our client's prior bankruptcy during testimony.

Origin

Latin for 'motion at the threshold' or 'at the start'

Fun Fact

These motions are so common in high-profile cases that some trials spend more time arguing what the jury can't hear than what they can.

Source: Common courtroom procedure terminology

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