in limine

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In limine is a Latin term meaning "at the threshold". A motion in limine is a pretrial motion asking that certain evidence be found inadmissible, and that it not be referred to or offered at trial.

A motion in limine is generally more effective than objecting the allegedly inadmissible evidence at trial because the jury still hears the question and is made aware of the evidence before the lawyer can object. 

[Last updated in January of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]