Article 1 — Principle No ruling is without term. The record does not lapse; the ruling lapses.

Article 2 — Terms A penal ruling lapses within seven years at the latest, an administrative prohibition within five years at the latest, a debt record within ten years at the latest. The law may set a shorter term; it may not set a longer one.

Article 3 — Operation Lapse occurs of its own accord. It requires no request, no decision, and no fee. The date of lapse is written into the descriptor on the day the ruling is established.

Article 4 — Lapsed ruling A lapsed ruling may not serve as evidence against a person, may not be made the basis of any procedure, and may not be asked about. The record stays in its place and bears its badge.

Article 5 — Exception Suspension records fall outside this law. No limitation runs on a suspension; the power to close it rests solely with the authority that opened it.

Article 6 — Entry into force This law enters into force upon its publication and does not lapse; its provisions on terms are subject to their own articles.