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

Additionally, given Natalia’s legal age, the statute of limitations prevents litigation of any offenses before 2014. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

The federal judge in New York ruled that claims of the players’ lawsuit fell outside the four-year statute of limitations. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2025

Martin argued that the statute of limitations had expired on the defamation claims and that many of his statements were either true or vague hyperbole not subject to proof. —Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2025

If the case isn’t resolved by the end of the year, the statute of limitations expires. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for statute of limitations

• abbreviations
• abominations
• accelerations
• accommodations
• accumulations
• adjudications
• administrations
• adulterations
• affiliations
• agglomerations
• alienations
• amalgamations

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