statute of limitations

American  

noun

Law.

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

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statute of limitations British  

noun

1. 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

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statute of limitations Cultural  

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of statute of limitations

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

But the statute of limitations on manslaughter, the charge most police officials and experts believed was appropriate in this case, had long expired by then.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

On Monday, a jury found that the case was outside the statute of limitations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

On Monday, a federal jury in California unanimously rejected Musk’s claims since the statute of limitations for bringing charges had expired.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

In a unanimous verdict, the case was thrown out because Musk filed his lawsuit after a statute of limitations to bring such claims had expired.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“Mr. Sinacore said that he can’t use your testimony—or Luke’s—because the statute of limitations had passed,” she reported.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter