Time immemorial: a critical analysis of the concept and its aplicability in civil and administrative law under contemporary legislation and case-law

Abstract

The concept of time  immemorial is frequently invoked in  present- day  legislation  and  case law.  Being  in  principle an  indefinite legal  concept, its application may  increase  the  length  of  proceedings and  reduce  their  effectiveness as  a result  of  its  invocation.  Moreover, the  very  notion of  time  immemorial may cause  insecurity and  a lack  of legal certainty. In  order to avoid  these  drawbacks, it has  been  regulated  in  some  cases.  Terms  and  deadlines have  been  fixed  according to  various criteria,  with results  sometimes at  odds  with the  intended purpose. A review  of the  precedents will  contribute to  clarify  the  meaning and  content of the concept of  time  immemorial, thus placing  it  in  the  context of  contemporary law and  jurisprudence.