I understand having a limit for small crimes but for huge ones, like murder, why would the crime prescribe? Is there a reason for that?!

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[–] 10 points 11 months ago

Reducing the number of false accusations. Prevents situations like someone claiming "Xyz stole my car 30 years ago, arrest them!".

Lack of evidence. It's almost impossible to definitively prove something that happened long ago to the level of reasonable doubt required by courts.

Relevance. Theft from 30 years ago has no bearing on anyone's life any more. For same reason the statute of limitations usually doesn't exist for murder. Murder from 30 years ago still impacts people today.

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