statute of limitations

American  

noun

Law.

1. a statute defining the period within which legal action may be taken.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of statute of limitations

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

In California, for instance, “if you are seeking rescission based on fraud, then the statute of limitations will likely be three years,” Klein & Wilson says.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

The nine-person jury unanimously found that Musk waited too long to file his lawsuit and missed the deadline for the statute of limitations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

The jury found Musk brought his lawsuit after the statute of limitations expired, clearing the way for an OpenAI IPO.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

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