statute of limitations /stach″o̅o̅t/ [L, statuere, to set up, limes, boundary] , (in law) a statute that sets a limit of time during which a suit may be brought or criminal charges may be made. In a malpractice suit, dispute may arise as to whether the time set by the particular statute of limitations begins to run at the time of the injury or at the time of the discovery of the injury.
