Page "Motion (legal)" Paragraph 17

A " motion in limine " asks the court to decide that certain evidence may or may not be presented to the jury at the trial.

A motion in limine generally addresses issues which would be prejudicial for the jury to hear in open court, even if the other side makes a timely objection which is sustained, and the judge instructs the jury to disregard the evidence.

For example, the defendant may ask the court to rule that evidence of a prior conviction that occurred a long time ago should not be allowed into evidence at the trial because it would be more prejudicial than probative.

If the motion is granted, then evidence regarding the conviction could not be mentioned in front of the jury, without first approaching the judge outside of the hearing of the jury and obtaining permission.

The violation of a motion in limine can result in the court declaring a mistrial.