What is the function of the Limitation Period in civil law?

The function of the Limitation Period in civil law is primarily to ensure timely resolution of legal disputes. This mechanism serves several important purposes within the legal system. First, it helps to bring finality to disputes by preventing claims from being raised after a significant amount of time has passed, which could compromise the ability of defendants to mount a fair defense due to fading memories, lost evidence, or witnesses being unavailable. By establishing a clear timeframe within which a claimant must bring a legal action, the Limitation Period encourages plaintiffs to pursue their claims diligently and provides defendants with predictability regarding their potential legal liabilities.

Furthermore, the Limitation Period also promotes judicial efficiency. By compelling parties to resolve their matters within a specified period, it helps to avoid the backlog of cases and ensures that the courts can allocate their resources effectively and focus on current and relevant issues. With these functions, the Limitation Period plays a crucial role in upholding the principle of justice and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.