What does the term "tolling" refer to in legal context?

In a legal context, "tolling" refers specifically to the process of delaying or pausing the statute of limitations on a legal claim or action. The statute of limitations sets a maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings must be initiated. When tolling occurs, the countdown of this time frame is temporarily suspended, preventing the limitation period from expiring.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as the plaintiff being a minor, the defendant being out of the jurisdiction, or the plaintiff not being aware of the injury caused, which can justifiably delay the ability to file a claim. Thus, tolling serves as a protective mechanism to ensure that individuals have enough time to pursue their claims, even if the standard limitations period would otherwise bar them from doing so.

The other options describe different legal processes that do not relate to the concept of tolling. Filing an appeal involves seeking a review of a lower court's decision, prosecuting a case pertains to the process of pursuing legal action in court, and negotiating a plea relates to discussions aimed at reaching an agreement in a criminal case. None of these actions involve the suspension of a limitations period, which is the essence of tolling.