Next Gen Series: Motions in Limine and Pre-trial Evidentiary Issues

TDLA Past President Dawn Carson with Hickman, Goza and Spragins will present the next TDLA free webinar on Motions in Limine and Pre-trial Evidentiary Issues on Thursday, September 19 at Noon CST/ 1pm EST.

This webinar provided a comprehensive exploration of "Motions in Limine" and pre-trial evidentiary issues, focusing on the strategic use and implications of these legal tools in trial preparation. This session offers insights into the procedural and strategic aspects of handling evidentiary challenges before trial. 

We will cover:

1. Introduction to Motions in Limine:

   - Definition and purpose of motions in limine.

   - How these motions are used to exclude or limit evidence before trial.

   - The strategic benefits of filing such motions, including reducing the risk of prejudicial impact on the jury.

2. Filing and Arguing Motions in Limine:

   - Procedural steps for filing a motion in limine.

   - Key elements to include in a motion to increase its likelihood of success.

   - Tips for arguing motions effectively in court, including crafting persuasive arguments and anticipating opposing counsel's counterarguments.

3. Common Grounds for Motions in Limine:

   - Discussing typical reasons for filing motions, such as irrelevance, prejudice, hearsay, and inadmissibility under specific rules of evidence.

   - Case law examples illustrating successful and unsuccessful motions.

4. Pre-Trial Evidentiary Issues:

   - Overview of the pre-trial process for addressing evidentiary issues.

   - How to prepare for evidentiary challenges, including pre-trial conferences and discovery disputes.

   - Techniques for presenting and preserving evidence to avoid surprises during the trial.

5. Impact of Pre-Trial Rulings on Trial Strategy:

   - Understanding how pre-trial rulings influence trial preparation and strategy.

   - Adjusting trial tactics based on the outcomes of pre-trial evidentiary motions.

Takeaways:

- Effective use of motions in limine requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

- Understanding the procedural aspects and legal standards can significantly impact the success of evidentiary challenges.

- Pre-trial preparation is crucial for minimizing surprises and ensuring a smoother trial process.

Resources:

- Sample motions in limine and pre-trial briefs.

- Recommended reading and case law for further study.

Conclusion:

The webinar will equip attendees with practical insights and strategies for handling motions in limine and pre-trial evidentiary issues, enhancing their ability to navigate complex legal challenges effectively.

This program is approved for one Tennessee General CLE credit. Registrants will receive a Zoom link prior to the webinar.