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statute of limitations
noun phrase
: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished
Examples of statute of limitations in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This month, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that hundreds of misdemeanor Alameda County cases were languishing past the statute of limitations.
—East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
Antitrust claims normally have a four-year statute of limitations.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2024
However, the code provides exceptions, such as: Failure to file a return, fraud or tax evasion: No statute of limitations applies.
—Ashley Case, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Cases nearing the end of the statute of limitations came first.
—Gina Barton, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for statute of limitations
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Word History
First Known Use
1641, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of statute of limitations was
in 1641
Dictionary Entries Near statute of limitations
Cite this Entry
“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Legal Definition
statute of limitations
1
a
: a statute establishing a period of time from the accrual of a cause of action (as upon the occurrence or discovery of an injury) within which a right of action must be exercised compare laches, statute of repose
b
: a criminal statute establishing the period of time within which an offense can be punished after its commission
2
: a period of time established by a statute of limitations for commencing an action or prosecution
3
: an affirmative defense that the statute of limitations has expired
More from Merriam-Webster on statute of limitations
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute of limitations
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