Montana Response to Defendant's Motion in Limine

Stated in the most general terms, a proper motion in limine is an evidentiary motion that seeks a determination as to whether to exclude (or admit) evidence before it is offered at trial.

Motions in limine should be used only for their original purpose to challenge evidence that is so inadmissible and prejudicial that its mere mention in the presence of the jury would lead to an unfair trial.On appeal this ruling of the trial court was affirmed.

Generally, a party in a lawsuit files a motion in limine to exclude evidence from a trial because the evidence isn't relevant or because its prejudicial effect substantially outweighs its probative value. You can oppose the motion in limine by drafting and filing your own motion in opposition.

There is also authority for the proposition that if a motion in limine is denied, the party opposing the evidence can be the first to offer the objectionable evidence without waiving the merits of the evidentiary objection on appeal.

A motion is a written request made to the court, asking the judge to issue an order.Other parties have the chance to file and serve a written response to the motion. There is a specific deadline for filing and serving a written response, usually fourteen (14) days prior to a hearing.

A motion in limine is a powerful weapon for advocates that can alter the entire makeup of the case. This type of motion is a pretrial request of the court to rule on the admissibility of a certain piece of evidence.

Fill out the forms. You have to fill out at least 2 forms, maybe more, to file your opposition. File the forms. Turn in your completed forms by mail or efiling. Serve the other party. Get ready for the hearing. Prepare an order.

Something is not right. Motions in Limine are generally filed shortly before trial and not months prior. Also, the terms used here ("amend" and "modify") are confusing and not generally used with motions but are used in connections with...

Importantly, motions in limine are generally made before a trial begins, and always argued outside the presence of the jury. Thus, a motion in limine allows key evidentiary questions to be decided without the jury present and, if the motion is granted, will preclude the jury from ever learning of the disputed evidence.