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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Although Musk argued that he had delayed taking action because he trusted Altman, the jury found that his claims were filed outside of the statute of limitations.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 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

It is common for an HOA to sue the developer as the 10-year statute of limitations nears, often for what developers consider minor or perceived issues.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 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