What is the primary purpose of a motion in limine?

• A. To prevent certain information from being mentioned to jurors, thereby speeding up the trial
• B. To grant a new trial for any reason
• C. To modify a judgment after it has been entered
• D. To compel discovery from a party

Answer: (A)

A motion in limine is a pretrial request asking the court to rule on whether certain evidence or testimony may be admitted at trial, and to exclude it if it would be inappropriate for the jury to hear. The aim is to keep jurors from being exposed to information that is prejudicial, inflammatory, or not legally admissible, so the trial proceeds on a proper evidentiary footing. Getting these rulings before the trial helps prevent interruptions during testimony and keeps the proceedings more focused and efficient. This is distinct from other procedures like seeking a new trial, altering a judgment, or compelling discovery, which address different remedies or stages. So the primary purpose is to prevent certain information from being mentioned to jurors, thereby speeding up the trial.