What does the Statute of Limitations establish?

The Statute of Limitations establishes a specific time frame within which a plaintiff must initiate a lawsuit. This legal doctrine is designed to ensure that claims are made while evidence is still fresh and available, which contributes to the fair administration of justice. Once this designated period expires, the plaintiff is typically barred from filing a lawsuit related to that particular claim, regardless of its merits. This helps to provide certainty and finality in legal matters, preventing the indefinite threat of litigation over old claims.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of legal procedures but do not accurately describe the function of the Statute of Limitations. The period to appeal a court decision involves deadlines set by appellate rules, while the period during which a defendant must respond is determined by the terms of court or specific procedural rules, not the statute of limitations itself. Lastly, the filing of a counterclaim follows different procedural guidelines and deadlines that are also distinct from the statute of limitations applicable to an original claim.