statute of limitationsnoun [ C ]
uk/ˌstætʃ.uːt əv lɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃənz//ˌstætʃ.uːt əv lɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃənz/plural statutes of limitations specializedthe maximum length of time that can be allowed to pass before action is taken in a particular legal matter:
In the UK at present there is no statute of limitations on the prosecution of most criminal offences.