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

This month, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that hundreds of misdemeanor Alameda County cases were languishing past the statute of limitations. —East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Antitrust claims normally have a four-year statute of limitations. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2024

However, the code provides exceptions, such as: Failure to file a return, fraud or tax evasion: No statute of limitations applies. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Cases nearing the end of the statute of limitations came first. —Gina Barton, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 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