Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a motion in limine?

1. To request a jury trial

2. To keep prejudicial information out of a case

3. To seek a judgment based on evidence

4. To dismiss frivolous claims

The correct answer is: To keep prejudicial information out of a case

A motion in limine serves the specific purpose of excluding certain evidence that may be prejudicial to one party's case from being presented in court during a trial. By filing this motion, a party seeks to prevent the introduction of information that could improperly influence the jury’s perception or decision-making, such as evidence that may create bias or distract from the core issues of the case. This helps to ensure a fair trial by allowing the judge to rule on the admissibility of potentially damaging evidence before it is presented to the jury. The other options do not align with the primary function of a motion in limine. Requesting a jury trial pertains to the right to have one’s case heard by a jury rather than a judge, seeking judgment based on evidence refers to motions for summary judgment or directed verdicts, and dismissing frivolous claims relates to motions to dismiss based on the lack of legal merit to the claims presented. Each of these options addresses different procedural aspects of legal practice, but none serve the specific function of keeping prejudicial information out of a trial.