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?!
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?!
US-centric answer: Murder doesn’t have any time limitations on being charged.
https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-law-basics/time-limits-for-charges-state-criminal-statutes-of-limitations.html
There are always going to be holes in the law, so it probably wouldn’t be difficult to find some example of a horrible crime that finds a loophole in this, but the general idea is that the worst crimes have no statute of limitations.
Misdemeanors are usually fairly short, many felonies are longer, sex crimes are often (but not always) exempt, and murder has no limit in any state.