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

There are statutes of limitations to contest a will.

From MarketWatch

County since the state changed the statute of limitations.

From Los Angeles Times

The repayment structure can be challenging for borrowers to navigate and, unlike most consumer debt, there’s no statute of limitations on a student loan, meaning the government can pursue a borrower for their entire life.

From MarketWatch

The repayment structure can be challenging for borrowers to navigate and, unlike most consumer debt, there’s no statute of limitations on a student loan, meaning the government can pursue a borrower for their entire life.

From MarketWatch

Lee repeatedly denied the allegations and argued that the statute of limitations had run out.

From Los Angeles Times