What do you want to learn?

Search 353,402+ words, phrases & grammar rules

📖
Featured Word A1

statute of limitations (noun)

A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once this period passes, a person can no longer be charged with a crime or sued for a specific action.

💬 Example

"I cannot sue the company for the broken window because the statute of limitations passed last year."

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine a 'statue' of a clock that has 'limitations' – it can only tick for a certain amount of time before it stops wor...

🏛️ Origin

🔗 Synonyms
limitation period prescriptive period legal deadline statutory period time limit
⚠️ Common Mistakes

Assuming the 'statute of limitations' automatically dismisses a case. → The 'statute of limitations' is an affirmative defense that must be raised by the defendant.

Confusing 'statute of limitations' with 'statute of repose'. → The 'statute of limitations' runs from the date of injury/discovery, while the 'statute of repose' runs from the date of the act/creation.

Learn More