MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a Motion in Limine?

1. A motion to request a trial date

2. A request to suppress certain evidence mentioned in court

3. A motion to introduce new evidence for the jury

4. A request for a retrial based on new findings

The correct answer is: A request to suppress certain evidence mentioned in court

The primary purpose of a Motion in Limine is to request the court to suppress certain evidence from being presented during the trial. This is significant because parties may seek to prevent prejudicial, irrelevant, or inadmissible evidence from influencing the jury or the judge before the trial fully begins. By addressing specific pieces of evidence prior to their introduction, the motion aims to ensure that the trial's proceedings remain fair and focused on relevant information. In a legal context, controlling what evidence is presented is crucial as it can heavily impact the outcome of the case. A successful Motion in Limine can safeguard the rights of a party by shielding them from potentially harmful evidence that could sway the jury improperly or lead to an unfair trial.