Judge Theresa L. Springmann Ross Adair Courthouse 1300 South Harrison Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 423-3050 (260) 423-3055 (fax) Motions in Limine Motions in limine must be filed in writing and with supporting authorities at the Final Pretrial Conference. Each party is limited to a single motion in limine, but there is no limit on the number of points that the motion may raise. Judge Springmann views rulings on motions in limine as preliminary. Judge Springmann declines to grant motions in limine unless the moving party faces a significant risk of irreparable harm if the motion is not granted (if, in other words, the moving party must rely on an in-trial objection to evidence believed to be inadmissible). A motion in limine should indicate why the movant thinks the targeted evidence might be offered, why the movant believes the targeted evidence will be inadmissible, and what injury the movant risks if an in-trial objection is required. The motion must clearly identify what evidence would be excluded. Because orders in limine are enforceable by contempt, Judge Springmann denies motions that would allow reasonable minds to differ on what evidence is covered. Accordingly, Judge Springmann is less likely to grant a motion in limine directed to broad categories of evidence (e.g., "evidence relevant only to punitive damages") than one directed to a specific class of evidence (e.g., "evidence of the defendant's net worth"). The Court may set an expedited briefing schedule and a telephonic ruling conference on the motions to allow for ruling before the trial. Judge Springmann's rulings on motions in limine are not final rulings on the admissibility of evidence. The rulings simply require that the topic be discussed again outside the jury's hearing before the jury hears anything about the precluded evidence.

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