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

In some cases, fraud has a four-year statute of limitations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

He says that this type of crime may not be subject to a statute of limitations, so Brazilians involved could still be held accountable.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Attorneys signed up a Tennessee client who was injured at a Nashville rental car business, but the one-year statute of limitations ran out before they filed the case, the bar complaint said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

But only about $150 million is collectible, since some tax debts are outside of the three-year statute of limitations and some cannabis businesses are no longer operating.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Ms. Gievers suggested that we file individual lawsuits on my behalf soon because of statute of limitations laws.

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