時効
Meanings
statute of limitations; prescription; lapse of rights after a period of time
Legal term for the expiration of a right or claim after a statutory period. Covers both extinctive and acquisitive prescription.
The statute of limitations has run out on this case.
His debt was extinguished by prescription.
becoming invalid or void after a set time
General, non-legal use for something losing validity or effect after a certain period, such as a coupon, warranty, or informal promise.
This coupon has already expired.
His promise is long past its expiration date.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の時効が成立するfor the statute of limitations on something to take effect
The statute of limitations on that case has already taken effect.
- もう時効だ(colloquial) enough time has passed that it no longer matters / it's water under the bridge
That breakup story is old news now, so I can talk about it and laugh.
- 時効を援用するto invoke the statute of limitations (as a legal defense)
The defendant invoked the statute of limitations and refused to pay.
- 時効にかかるto become subject to (be barred by) the statute of limitations
That claim has already lapsed under the statute of limitations.