<P> In U.S. law, a motion in limine (Latin: "at the start", literally, "on the threshold") (Latin pronunciation: (ɪn ˈliːmɪˌne) in LEE - min - ay) is a motion, discussed outside the presence of the jury, to request that certain testimony be excluded . The motion is decided by a judge in both civil and criminal proceedings . It is frequently used at pre-trial hearings or during trial, and it can be used at both the state and federal levels . </P> <P> The reasons for the motions are wide and varied, but probably the most frequent use of the motion in limine in a criminal trial is to shield the jury from information concerning the defendant that could possibly be unfairly prejudicial to the defendant if heard at trial . Other reasons arise under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for failure to comply with discovery . </P>

When does the court hear motions in limine