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

Earlier this week, a judge dismissed most of the case, citing the statute of limitations in Massachusetts, where the pair lived during their three-year relationship.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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

In Texas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date the malpractice occurred.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Giuffre's sister-in-law Amanda Roberts said her wish was to eliminate the statute of limitations.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

She started organizing information into carefully labeled folders: one about cells, another about cancer, another full of definitions of legal terms like statute of limitations and patient confidentiality.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot