In a case with wide implications for contractors, the construction industry asked Connecticut's Supreme Court to block the state from invoking a 13th-century legal doctrine that the state claims allows it to wait decades before suing for defective work on public works projects.

The state's argument stems from English common law, The Hartford Courant reported. What's involved are leaks in the University of Connecticut library that cost millions to repair.

For businesses and individuals, The Courant said, it is pretty much agreed that the statute of limitations on construction claims is six years.

Former state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal filed the suit in 2008, 12 years after the work was finished.

Solicitor General Gregory Auria argues, "Our investigation revealed multiple construction problems and our state had to expend millions of its own money to fix those problems. The lawsuit was filed only after all other options and remedies were exhausted."

The doctrine involved, The newspaper explained, is "nullum tempus occurrit regi," which means, literally, that "no time runs against the king." It is unclear whether Connecticut formally adopted that doctrine after the colonies gained their independence.