Statutory Limitations in Argentina's Criminal Law

Abstract

The author presents a panoramic view of the statute of limitations' functioning in the Argentine criminal law. To that end, its nature, rationale, and general provisions are studied, including the causes for the limitations period to be interrupted or tolled. After distinguishing it from similar legal figures such as justifications or the right to a speedy trial, the essay explores the practical application of statutory limitations to different cases, ranging from international crimes to various common offences. Matters of procedure are also discussed, as well as comparative notes regarding the Italian, and different Latin American legislations. The essay ends with some conclusions about balancing conflicting values surrounding the issue of statutory limitations.