Final answer:
The Statute of Limitations sets a time limit to file legal claims in court, and it varies by claim type. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Supreme Court's decision in Lochner v. New York illustrate the balance between individuals' rights and statutory limits. The Constitution preserves the right to a fair and timely trial, as ensured by the Sixth and Seventh Amendments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Statute of Limitations under the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) sets a deadline for when a legal claim must be filed in court. If a case is not filed within this timeframe, the right to bring the action is typically lost. This limitation period varies depending on the type of claim being asserted. A striking example is the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 that was enacted after the Supreme Court ruled that Ledbetter's lawsuit, concerning pay discrimination, was filed outside the statute of limitations. The Act made it possible for each discriminatory paycheck to restart the statute of limitations clock, addressing the dilemma where individuals discover discrimination long after it first occurs.Lochner v. New York is another historical court decision where the Supreme Court invalidated a state law that set a maximum workday length, citing an undue infringement on the liberty of contract. The Court's decision reflected a balance between protecting civil liberties and the state's power to regulate for the common good. Similarly, in the formation of the Indian Claims Commission, the litigation process was streamlined with a recognition of the right to a fair trial and timely justice, reflecting the principles outlined in the Seventh Amendment.
The Constitution preserves the right to a speedy trial in criminal cases and the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars, as noted in the Sixth and Seventh Amendments. These rights aim to ensure just outcomes within a reasonable time, preventing undue delay that could be prejudicial to parties involved.