What is a motion in limine?

A motion in limine is a motion made before a trial by either the plaintiff or defendant in civil procedure cases in Maryland. It is a request to the court for an order that certain evidence should not be presented in the trial. The goal of a motion in limine is to prevent prejudicial evidence from being presented to a jury, since jurors are only allowed to consider evidence and arguments that are relevant to the case. Motions in limine can involve asking the court to prevent testimony from witnesses, testimony from experts, certain forms of evidence, documents, or facts. Prior to the trial, either party might file a motion in limine arguing that the evidence should be excluded from the trial because it is irrelevant, is likely to cause prejudice, or is illegally obtained. The court will then review the motion in limine and decide whether the evidence should be excluded. If the court grants the motion in limine, then the evidence is not allowed to be presented in the trial. On the other hand, if the court denies the motion in limine, then the evidence can be presented in the trial. Motions in limine are important in civil procedure cases because they can prevent prejudicial evidence from being presented in a trial. This can help ensure only evidence that is relevant and legally obtained is presented to a jury.

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