Trial preparation

• Author: Aaron B. Maduff
• Pages: 389-410

TRIAL PREPARATION

17-1 LITIGATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEX DISCRIMINATION CASES §17.1

CHAPTER 17: TRIAL PREPARATION

§17.1 TASK: DRAFT MOTIONS IN LIMINE

§17.1.1 WHAT AND WHY

Motions in limine seek to limit trial testimony or the introduction of certain evidence. They may be used to:

• Eliminate issues and/or preclude admission of facts at trial.

• Exclude inadmissible, irrelevant or prejudicial evidence (documentary or testimonial) at trial.

• Avoid prejudicing the jury through evidentiary objections at trial.

 

• Alert the judge to evidentiary issues that may arise, even if the motion is denied or stayed until trial.

• Educate the trial judge and persuade him to see the case in the light most favorable to your client.

• Encourage a settlement before or during trial.

    





§17.1.2 WHEN

Motions in limine are usually decided on the eve of trial. Check your local rules or the court’s scheduling



Practice Note: If you are in federal court and the judge’s website does not set a schedule for f‌iling

motions in limine, call up the judge’s minute clerk and inquire as to the judge’s practice.

§17.1.3 HOW

§17.1.3.1 Review Federal Rules of Evidence



• Rule 104 provides that the court must decide preliminary questions of the admissibility of evidence, a person’s



 -



 

by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue



 

 

about a person’s reputation or by opinion testimony.

 



 

   





   

    

motion and the court conducts a hearing in camera.

Practice Note: Review state rules of evidence



for limiting or excluding evidence at trial. See 



See Kelly-Zurian v. Wohl Shoe Co

TRIAL PREPARATION

§17 .1 LITIGATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEX DISCRIMINATION CASES 17-2

§17.1.3.2 Consider Grounds for Motion

   



§17.1.3.2.1 “Me Too” Evidence



 

discrimination). Janopoulos v. Harvey L. Walner & Assoc. 



    

 Rauh v. Coyne 

   



§17.1.3.2.2 Incidents of Which Plaintiff Had No Knowledge

    

Biggs v. Nicewonger Co.

   

Campbell v. Board of

Regents





§17.1.3.2.3 Harasser’s Sexual or Personal History

  

generally Griswold v. Connecticut 

also Boler v. Superior Court



Hennessy v. Penril Datacomm Networks

   



§17.1.3.2.4 Plaintiff’s Personal History

Marshall v. Nelson Elec., Unit of Gen.

Signal 

   Bigoni v.

Pay ‘N Pak Stores, Inc.



§17.1.3.2.5 Events Before Statute of Limitations Period

-

itations period, as not relevant. United Air Lines, Inc. v. Evans

 Sims v. Mulcahy 

Blesedell v. Mobil Oil Co.

   



§17.1.3.2.6 Expert Testimony

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Phar-

maceuticals

to act as gatekeeper for such evidence).

§17.1.3.2.7 Medical/Psychological History

Hodges

v. Keane