Motion in Limine and Jury Selection

What are the two types of challenges in jury selection?

- Challenge for cause - Peremptory Challenge

Motion in Limine

A motion that is filed before trial to: - prevent a matter from being presented to a jury, usually an evidentiary matter, and will be contested

Is a motion in limine used to prevent bad evidence?

No, but to prevent evidence that is inadmissible and prejudicial

Jury Selection

The process whereby, according to law and precedent, members of a trial jury are chosen. **Race CANNOT be a factor when selecting jurors - CAN ask about opinions on something

How many peremptory challenges does each side get?

Three per side

What if a juror is not dismissed at a challenge for cause?

Try a peremptory challenge

Challenge for cause

a challenge that says to the court there is something about this juror that is prejudicial Ex: a juror is a family member or neighbor Could also be a medical condition Ex: a condition that affects the jurors memory

peremptory challenge

the exclusion of a potential juror without the need for any reason or explanation - Use for almost any reason you want EXCEPT for discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc.