A procedural request, typically made before or during a trial, seeks a preemptive ruling from a court. The aim is to exclude specific evidence or arguments from being presented to the jury or fact-finder. An example would be a request to prevent the introduction of prior convictions due to their prejudicial nature outweighing their probative value. This ensures the trial proceeds without the potentially biasing influence of such material.
Such requests offer several key advantages. They prevent the opposing party from mentioning or displaying the questionable evidence in front of the jury, avoiding potential prejudice even if the evidence is ultimately deemed inadmissible. It also allows the court to carefully consider the admissibility of the evidence outside the immediate pressure of trial, promoting a more considered and informed ruling. Historically, these requests have become increasingly common as a tool for managing complex litigation and streamlining trial proceedings.
