What is the statute of limitations for murder?

The statute of limitations for murder is generally considered to be "no limit" in most jurisdictions. This principle applies because murder is a very serious crime with significant moral and legal implications. The absence of a statute of limitations means that authorities can prosecute a murder case at any time, regardless of how long ago the crime was committed. This provision reflects society's interest in ensuring that those who commit such grave offenses can eventually face justice, even years or decades after the act.

In contrast, other crimes typically have specified time frames within which charges must be brought, designed to encourage timely resolutions of cases and to ensure evidence remains available and witnesses can be located. However, the nature of murder, being an extreme violation of life itself, justifies the absence of such limits, allowing for justice to be pursued indefinitely.