statute of limitations
noun /ˌstætʃuːt əv lɪmɪˈteɪʃnz/
/ˌstætʃuːt əv lɪmɪˈteɪʃnz/
(law)- the legal limit on the period of time within which action can be taken on a crime or other legal question
- The judge threw out the case because the statute of limitations had expired.