The statute of limitations for sexual offenses committed against minors

Abstract

The article concerns changes in the limitation periods for sexual offenses committed to the detriment of minors. They took place in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2022 (entering into force on October 1, 2023). Subsequently, these periods were extended. Originally, it was a period of 5 years after the victim turned 18, then not earlier than before he turned 30, and currently he turned 40. The differences also concerned the details of the statute of limitations for these crimes. It was and still is part of the entirety of regulations aimed at increased protection of minors against sexual abuse and bringing to justice the perpetrators of such acts, including those committed years ago. It is important that the standard of this protection is higher than provided for by international obligations. It should also be emphasized that after the latest amendment, the punishment of the most serious of these crimes does not expire. The aim of the study is to analyze solutions in this area with references to the achievements of legal science and to present my own observations on them.

Keywords

• statute of limitations
• sexual offences
• minor
• victim