What does 'In Limine' refer to in a legal context?

'In Limine' is a Latin term that translates to 'on the threshold' in English. In a legal context, it refers to a motion filed by attorneys to request that certain evidence be excluded from the trial before it begins, effectively addressing the admissibility of that evidence at the outset. This precautionary measure helps to prevent potentially prejudicial information from influencing the jury before the trial even starts, allowing the court to make decisions about the relevance and appropriateness of the evidence in advance.

The term's association with the idea of being 'on the threshold' emphasizes the concept of making decisions that will set the stage for the trial proceedings. By using this motion, attorneys aim to establish a clear boundary regarding the presentation of evidence, ensuring that only relevant and permissible information is allowed during the trial.