This book is concerned with the development and theoretical foundations of a temporal limit to criminal prosecution und punishment in the area of present-day Austria. It examines the relationship between the various theories on the purpose of criminal justice and the justification of periods of limitation. Another aspect of the research focuses on the effects that the limitation periods have had on the social and legal reappraisal of systemic injustice, such as the Nazi crimes and the crimes against children in children’s homes, as well as the crimes underlying the #metoo debate in Austria. Reform considerations to better reconcile the interests of victims, rehabilitated offenders and society form the conclusion of the study.