Motion In Limine

What is a Motion in Limine?

A motion in limine is a pleading filed with the court where on party is asking the judge to prevent certain pieces of evidence from being used during a trial.

What is the Definition of Motion in limine?

The phrase, in limine is a Latin phrase that means “at the threshold”. Hence if granted a Motion in limine will stop certain evidence “at the threshold” or prevented from even being let “in the door”.

At What Point is a Motion in limine Filed?

In Arizona, these Motions must typically be filed by a certain date established at an earlier time by the court. For instance, the judge may say, “all Motions in limine” must be filed by this certain date or you may not raise the argument at a later date.

What are the Factors Determined by the Judge?

Historically three elements must be met before a judge will grant the Motion in limine.

  1. When the evidence is not relevant to any of the issues at dispute in the current case.
  2. When evidence is extremely prejudicial to one party without helping the jury decide on the case in front of them.
  3. When admitting the evidence would violate a state or federal law or the rules of evidence. 

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Author: Clint Dunaway

Arizona attorney.