In Limine Orders

We review a lower court's evidentiary rulings, including rulings on motions in limine and expert witness qualifications and competency, for an abuse of discretion. City of Missoula v. Paffhausen, 2012 MT 265, ¶ 12, 367 Mont. 80, 289 P.3d 141.

We review a district court's denial of a motion in limine for an abuse of discretion.  State v. DuBray, 2003 MT 255, ¶ 47, 317 Mont. 377, 77 P.3d 247.

The authority to grant or deny a motion in limine rests in the inherent power of the court to admit or exclude evidence and to take such precautions as are necessary to afford a fair trial for all parties.  Therefore, we will not overturn a district court's grant or denial of a motion in limine absent an abuse of discretion.  State v. Ayers, 2003 MT 114, ¶ 23, 315 Mont. 395, 68 P.3d 768.