Westlaw tip: Find statutes of limitations the quick and easy way

September 29, 2010

From the Westlaw Reference AttorneysOut of time? To quickly determine the statute of limitations on a cause of action, it is often much easier to find a relevant statute by searching  caselaw.

For example, try this search in NY-CS: action statute /3 limitation /s contract agreement. It quickly reveals that contracts are subject to a six year statute of limitations.

If, however, you attempted to find the statute itself (NY CPLR 312) using the phrase “statute of limitations,” you would not find it. Why? Because the statute describes what actions must be “commenced within six years.” And since the former query also takes advantage of the fact that this type of law is sometimes known as a Limitation of Action, you’ll get better results.

(Provided by West Reference Attorneys)