Jackie Wilson v. James K. Williams

EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge.

We heard this case en banc to decide whether an objection at trial always is necessary after a pretrial ruling that evidence will be admitted. We conclude that a definitive ruling in limine preserves an issue for appellate review, without the need for later objection — but this is just a presumption, subject to variation by the trial judge, who may indicate that further consideration is in order. Moreover, issues about how the evidence is used, as opposed to yes-or-no questions about admissibility, frequently require attention at trial, so that failure to object…