statute of limitations

noun

Law.

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

noun

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

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of statute of limitations¹

First recorded in 1760–70

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The arbitrator found in favour of the firm and Musk, dismissing her claims, due to California's statute of limitations - meaning too much time had passed since the alleged defamatory statements were made.

From

But in December, one day before the statute of limitations expired, Edison handed over the fault data, the plaintiffs claimed.

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Normally, he said, wrongful death cases have a two-year statute of limitations — but he hoped the recent discovery of “deliberately hidden” evidence could change that calculation.

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The statute of limitations is going to run out on these charges by the time he's eligible for prosecution again.

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As the court ruled the state's actions a crime against humanity, this removed any statute of limitations.

From

statute mile Statute of Westminster

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