Motion in limine
In U.S. law, a motion in limine is a motion, discussed outside the presence of the jury, to request that certain testimony be excluded. A motion in limine can also be used to get a ruling to allow for the inclusion of evidence. The motion is decided by a judge in both civil and criminal proceedings. Wikipedia
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I’ve had “motions in limine” imposed on me at trial (all civil) and I have (through my attorney) sought and obtained them on the other guy too. Such motions are like a jury verdict in a civil trial....good for one side and bad for the other. With an honest judge, such motions can be applied fairly. In Trump’s case, the judge will likely hamstring him.
It’s “procedure” in this day and age, but still criminal. There is no concept of actual -justice- that says the defendant may not make certain arguments.
Limiting arguments one can make in their defense is a complete insult to the idea of justice.
You are on trial, and have what you believe is a compelling argument in your defense, but the courts says you may not make it? Such a concept would have horrified our founding fathers.