Statute of Limitations

Definition

The statute of limitations is the period of time after a cause of action arises before the expiration of which a plaintiff must file suit or lose the right to do so.

Purpose

The purpose of the statute of limitations is to set a time limit for initiating legal proceedings, ensuring timely resolution of disputes and protecting defendants from indefinite threats of litigation.

Examples of Use

• In personal injury cases, the statute of limitations dictates the time frame within which the injured party must file a lawsuit.
• Contract disputes are subject to a statute of limitations that defines the period for bringing a claim for breach of contract.
• Criminal cases have statutes of limitations that determine how long after an alleged offense legal action can be initiated.

Related Terms

• Legal Deadline: The final date by which a legal action must be taken.
• Tolling: The legal suspension or extension of the statute of limitations under certain circumstances.
• Plaintiff: The party who brings a lawsuit in a court of law.

Notes

The length of the statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction and the type of legal action, making it essential for parties to be aware of these time frames to protect their legal rights.