statute of limitations
noun [ C ] law specialized uk/ˌstætʃ.uːt əv lɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃənz/ us/ˌstætʃ.uːt əv lɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃənz/ statutes of limitations
诉讼时效法规
the 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. 目前，英国对大多数刑事犯罪的起诉没有时效规定。