MOTION IN LIMINE

a motion used to exclude reference to anticipated evidence claimed to be objectionable until the admissibility of the questionable evidence can be determined either before or during the trial by presenting the court, out of the presence of the jury, offers and objections to the evidence. The motion seeks to avoid injection into trial of irrelevant, inadmissible, or prejudicial evidence at any point, including the voir dire examinations, opening statements, and direct and cross-examinations, and therefore prevents mistrials based on evidentiary irregularities. Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016