system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Statute of limitations - why?

Was just reading a news arrival about a Japanese murderer who has been on run for 45 years and their statute of limitations for murder (15 years) had been abolished in 2010....

My question is why is the statute of limitations a thing in some countries? If someone is caught and evidence proves it was them they should be able to get convicted 1 year or 70 years later?
gpt
The statute of limitations is in place because as people age, memories become less accurate and more prone to influence. Being able to find witnesses for an alibi Also becomes less realistic. Imagine having tok explain where you were on 5/4/1987. Also, physical evidence deteriorates and being able to refute evidence using forensic tests becomes less realistic or accurate. There are a few other factors, but the main point of a statute of limitations is to ensure that a defendant has a realistic opportunity to defend themselves effectively against the charges being filed.