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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
Just months before Fujimori succumbed to cancer, Peruvian lawmakers passed a law placing a statute of limitations on crimes against humanity, despite objections from the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights.
—Ñusta Carranza Ko, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024
Sherburne County Attorney Kathleen Heaney closed the case due to the statute of limitations to file charges having run out, according to the AP.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024
Last year, a federal judge dismissed Jesse’s suit against Chippendales, citing his failure to state a valid claim and the statute of limitations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024
Ohio's statute of limitations on slander and libel cases typically runs out after one year.
—Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for statute of limitations
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'statute of limitations.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1641, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of statute of limitations was
in 1641
Dictionary Entries Near statute of limitations
Cite this Entry
“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on statute of limitations
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute of limitations
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