in limine

Meanings

1. At the beginning, as a preliminary matter; specifically, before a particular procedure or proceeding takes place.

1. Of a motion, hearing, ruling, etc., pertaining to a request made at the start of a trial that the judge rule that certain evidence may not be introduced in a trial; most common in criminal trials where evidence is subject to constitutional limitations, such as statements made without Miranda warnings.

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from Latin in līmine (literally “in the threshold”).