Which legal term describes the time limit on prosecuting a crime?

The correct answer is the statute of limitations, which refers to the legally defined time period within which a prosecution must be initiated for a particular crime. Once this timeframe expires, the state is typically barred from bringing charges against an individual for that offense. This legal concept serves several important purposes, including ensuring that evidence remains fresh and available, providing a degree of certainty and finality for potential defendants, and promoting the timely pursuit of justice.

In contrast, legal precedent pertains to previous court decisions that guide future cases, double jeopardy protects individuals from being tried for the same crime multiple times after a verdict has been reached, and due process guarantees fairness in legal proceedings. Each of these concepts plays a distinct role in the legal system, but none of them specifically addresses the time limits on prosecution as the statute of limitations does.