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

The nine-person jury rejected the claims because the statute of limitations for bringing charges had expired.

From Barron's • 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

But on January 21, Hiss was convicted of perjury relating to his alleged espionage; he could not be tried as a spy because the five-year statute of limitations had run out.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau