What is the legal doctrine that bars a claim after a set period of time called?

The legal doctrine that bars a claim after a set period of time is known as the statute of limitations. This doctrine is crucial in ensuring that legal claims are made in a timely manner, preventing the indefinite threat of lawsuit against a party that might occur if claims could be brought at any time. The statute of limitations sets specific time frames within which a plaintiff must initiate a legal action — different types of claims may have different limitations periods depending on the nature of the claim and the jurisdiction.

For instance, personal injury claims often must be filed within two years from the date of the injury, while contracts may have a limitations period ranging from 4 to 6 years, depending on whether the contract was written or oral. This timeframe encourages the prompt resolution of disputes and ensures that evidence remains available and reliable.

Other terms mentioned, such as the statute of frauds, pertain to the requirement that certain contracts be in writing to be enforceable, rather than addressing the timing of claims. Adverse possession involves the acquisition of property rights through continuous possession over a certain period, while equitable estoppel prevents a party from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement, rather than defining time limitations on claims.