Motion in Limine

A motion in limine is a written request a lawyer files before trial asking the judge to decide, in advance, that certain evidence, testimony, or arguments either will or will not be allowed in front of the jury. The goal is to settle disputes about sensitive or potentially unfair evidence before jurors ever hear it. Judges often rule on these motions in the days leading up to trial or on the morning trial begins.

Origin

The phrase comes from the Latin in limine, meaning "at the threshold." The practice developed in Anglo-American courts as a way to handle evidentiary disputes "at the threshold" of trial, rather than interrupting the proceedings with objections after the jury has already been exposed to the disputed material.

Significance in Asbestos Context

In an asbestos case, both sides typically file a stack of motions in limine, and the rulings can shape what the jury actually hears about your exposure and illness. Defendants often try to exclude evidence such as internal company documents showing early knowledge of asbestos hazards, references to bankruptcy trusts, prior verdicts against the company, or testimony about specific products. Plaintiffs often move to exclude defense arguments blaming smoking, prior settlements, or unrelated medical conditions, and to bar references to litigation funding or attorney advertising. These rulings can heavily influence settlement value and trial strategy, which is why your legal team will spend significant time preparing and arguing them, though you generally won't need to attend these hearings yourself.

Example Sentence

Before trial, the plaintiff's attorneys filed a motion in limine to prevent the defense from arguing that the patient's smoking history, rather than his shipyard asbestos exposure, caused his mesothelioma.

Related Terms

Pre-trial motion, Daubert motion, admissible evidence, evidentiary ruling, summary judgment, voir dire

Notes

• Ask your attorney for a plain-language summary of which motions in limine were filed in your case and how the judge ruled. These rulings often signal what the jury will and will not hear.
• If you have a smoking history, prior workers' compensation claims, unrelated illnesses, or prior settlements with bankruptcy trusts, tell your legal team early so they can prepare motions to limit how that information is used.
• A judge's pre-trial ruling on a motion in limine can change during trial if testimony "opens the door" to previously excluded topics; warn your family members who may testify to stick closely to what counsel has prepared.
• Preserve any company documents, product identification materials, or co-worker contact information you have, since defendants frequently move to exclude evidence they claim is unauthenticated or hearsay.