statute of limitations
/ˌstætʃuːt əv ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/
The time limit for initiating legal proceedings
statute of limitations in a sentence
“The statute of limitations had expired, barring the lawsuit.”
Origin of statute of limitations
Modern legal compound; statute from Latin statutum (thing set up) + limitation from Latin limes (boundary)
Related Words
recusal
The act of a judge disqualifying themselves from a case due to conflict of interest
amicus curiae
An impartial adviser to a court of law in a particular case
precedent
A legal decision that serves as an authoritative rule in future cases
jurisdiction
The official power to make legal decisions
litigation
The process of taking legal action
deposition
Testimony taken under oath outside of court