The judicial authority to whom a case has been assigned for trial may in its discretion entertain a motion in limine made by any party regarding the admission or exclusion of anticipated evidence. If a case has not yet been assigned for trial, a judicial authority may, for good cause shown, entertain the motion. Such motion shall be in writing and shall describe the anticipated evidence and the prejudice which may result therefrom. All interested parties shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard regarding the motion and the relief requested. The judicial authority may grant the relief sought in the motion or such other relief as it may deem appropriate, may deny the motion with or without prejudice to its later renewal, or may reserve decision thereon until a later time in the proceeding.
Section 15-3.Motion in Limine
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets the court considering a motion in limine, filed in writing and describing the anticipated evidence and potential prejudice, rule on evidence before trial, deny it, or reserve decision until later.
Full Text of Section 15-3
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 284A.)
Plain-English Summary
The judicial authority assigned to try a case may, at its discretion, hear a motion in limine filed by any party regarding whether to admit or exclude evidence expected to come up at trial. If a case has not yet been assigned for trial, a judicial authority may still hear the motion for good cause shown.
The motion must be in writing and must describe the anticipated evidence and the prejudice that might result from it. All interested parties get an opportunity to be heard on the motion and the relief requested.
The judicial authority has several options: grant the relief sought, grant other relief it deems appropriate, deny the motion with or without prejudice to renewing it later, or reserve decision on the motion until a later point in the proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motion in limine under Connecticut Practice Book 15-3?
It is a written motion asking the court to rule on the admission or exclusion of evidence expected to come up at trial, describing that anticipated evidence and the prejudice it might cause.
Can a motion in limine be filed before a case is assigned for trial?
Yes, a judicial authority may entertain the motion before trial assignment if good cause is shown.
Must a motion in limine be in writing?
Yes, the rule requires the motion to be in writing and to describe the anticipated evidence and the prejudice which may result from it.
What can a court do besides granting or denying a motion in limine?
The court may grant other relief it finds appropriate, deny the motion without prejudice to a later renewal, or reserve decision on it until later in the proceeding.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 15-3). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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