noun phrase · academic

statute of limitations

/ˈstætʃuːt əv ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/STAT·ute of lim·I·TA·tions

Band 6-7task2speaking

the legally fixed time limit within which legal action must be taken

Examples

The victim could not sue because the statute of limitations had expired.

Some argue that there should be no statute of limitations for certain crimes.

Lawyers must check the statute of limitations before filing a claim.

Band 8 sentence

Before advising the client, the solicitor checked whether the statute of limitations still permitted a claim.

Collocations

  • expire the statute of limitations
  • extend the statute of limitations

Word family

statute nounlimitation noun

Common mistakes

statute of limitationstatute of limitations

time limit of lawstatute of limitations

Say it for a higher band

5time limit6time limit for legal action7+statute of limitations

Synonyms

time limit for prosecution

Easily confused

time bar

The court dismissed the case as it was time-barred under the applicable law.

Related words

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