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

See Examples For:

statute of limitations

The team encountered other problems, including that some of their allegations fell outside the five-year statute of limitations and had no clear link to South Florida, people familiar with it said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026

A 150-day statute of limitations would apply to challenging so-called biological opinions, which review project impact on species and habitats.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

However, as harassment is a summary only offence then it carries a statute of limitations of six months so would have expired back in June 2022.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

In Texas, legal malpractice claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations, although certain exceptions may extend the filing deadline.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 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