What is the purpose of the statute of limitations in tort law?

The primary purpose of the statute of limitations in tort law is to set a time limit for filing lawsuits. This legal deadline creates a sense of urgency for potential claimants to pursue their cases, ensuring that claims are brought in a timely manner. This time limitation helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process by preventing the filing of cases where evidence may have deteriorated over time, witnesses’ memories may have faded, and the potential for disorganization or loss of relevant documents increases. Thus, the statute not only protects defendants from the burden of indefinite liability but also promotes fairness and efficiency in the legal system by encouraging prompt adjudication of disputes.

Other options do not reflect the core function of the statute of limitations. While defining the categories of torts, enhancing the reliability of witness testimony, and determining eligibility for compensation are all important aspects of tort law, they do not pertain to the specific mechanism of setting a time frame for legal actions to be initiated.