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

The Los Angeles Times also reported that Collins was never prosecuted due to the statute of limitations. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

If passed, the legislation would allow parents to sue anyone who supports a minor's gender transition, with the statute of limitations lasting for 15 years. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

In addition, the BBA provides the PR and the IRS with the option of extending the statute of limitations period if the partnership signs a notice in writing, waiving the default statute of limitations period. —Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

News National News The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act would extend the statute of limitations on pandemic-era fraud cases to 10 years. —Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for statute of limitations

• abbreviations
• abominations
• accelerations
• accommodations
• accumulations
• adjudications
• administrations
• adulterations
• affiliations
• agglomerations
• alienations
• amalgamations

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