statute of limitations

noun phrase

: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished

Examples of statute of limitations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Initially, their legal challenge failed due to the statute of limitations. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

His attorney has said that the women's allegations are beyond the statute of limitations. —Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024

However, despite Mangum's admission, she can presumably no longer be prosecuted for lying under oath as North Carolina's statute of limitations on perjury charges generally lasts two years. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Prosecutors dragged their feet to ensure that the financial crimes stemming from Joe Biden’s time as Obama administration vice president could not be charged due to the lapsing statute of limitations. —The Editors, National Review, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

statute of limitations

1

a

: a statute establishing a period of time from the accrual of a cause of action (as upon the occurrence or discovery of an injury) within which a right of action must be exercised compare laches, statute of repose

b

: a criminal statute establishing the period of time within which an offense can be punished after its commission

2

: a period of time established by a statute of limitations for commencing an action or prosecution

3

: an affirmative defense that the statute of limitations has expired