STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS Definition & Meaning

statute of limitations

noun

Law.

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

statute of limitations

noun

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

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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of statute of limitations¹

First recorded in 1760–70

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But in December, one day before the statute of limitations expired, Edison handed over the fault data, the plaintiffs claimed.

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Normally, he said, wrongful death cases have a two-year statute of limitations — but he hoped the recent discovery of “deliberately hidden” evidence could change that calculation.

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The statute of limitations is going to run out on these charges by the time he's eligible for prosecution again.

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As the court ruled the state's actions a crime against humanity, this removed any statute of limitations.

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With the statute of limitations expired for a manslaughter charge, it is likely the officer would be tried for murder, which Hochman said is unwarranted.

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