statute of limitations

noun

, Law.

1. a statute defining the period within which legal action may be taken.

statute of limitations

noun

1. a legislative enactment prescribing the period of time within which proceedings must be instituted to enforce a right or bring an action at law See also laches

statute of limitations

1. Any law that places a time restriction during which a lawsuit must be brought to court or a crime must be prosecuted.

Word History and Origins

Origin of statute of limitations¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Prosecutors decline to seek charges because of legal issues like the statute of limitations or because of the high burden of proof, guilt beyond a reasonable doubt that they must meet in order to convict in a criminal case.

From Slate

Should Willis proceed with the case, she'd likely have to dismiss it and refile it later, but by then the statute of limitations to prosecute will have run out.

From Salon

With the statute of limitations expired for a manslaughter charge, it is likely the officer would be tried for murder, which Hochman said is unwarranted.

From Los Angeles Times

The lawsuit was filed anonymously in 2023 during a brief period when California law expanded the statute of limitations around sexual assault.

From Salon

The defamation claim won’t have any problem with the statute of limitations, because the defamatory statement is new.

From Slate