2007-10-20 06:54:11 · 2 answers · asked by jake o 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It's based on part on the "speedy trial" requirements of the Constitution -- and in part on the reality that as time goes by, witness memories get fuzzy, evidence gets lost, and it becomes harder to fairly try a case -- civil or criminal.
Thus, for any given cause of action -- civil or criminal -- there are limits to how long after the even a lawsuit may be started.
2007-10-20 08:04:14 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The statute of limitations is set by legistlature to set a reasonable amount of time for someone to file a complaint, and for the prosecutor to charge that person.
The limit is for charging purposes only. If the suspect flees, and a warrant is issued, there is not time limits on the warrant.
2007-10-20 07:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋