I seriously doubt that there is something conversational with "The statute of limitations has expired/run out". Thus I'd go for something that sounds off-handish/snotty/arrogant (as the German sounds to me - old story, no real regrets). Depending on the tone of the rest of the dialogue maybe also something like "Forget it!" or "Get it over with!" "Just drop it!" to express the attitude. Since it's an adaptation and not a dubbing there should be enough leeway to find something suitable that goes with the overall attitude/personality of the character.

Also the question remains, was he caught back then? Did he get a juvie trial? Or was he not caught and got off scot-free although some of his friends were in the prank. The latter scenario would be the only reason for me to try to get over any legal meaning and in that case it's back to the statute of limitations and no conversational way about it.

I also like Susan's answers, but not arrogant/off-handish enough for my taste. Depending on the rest of the dialogue possibly also a good fit.

I know its not strictly legal speak, but the phrase crops up on sites that discuss legal matters. Hence my suggestion: 'That story is dead and buried'. Or, more colloquial and stronger: 'That is one dead and buried story'.


‘This is one story we thought was **dead and buried** but here comes Dan(after we cheered him on when he started working for Mark Cuban at HDTV) a ghost from the past, and files a lawsuit against freakin' c-b-s.’
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=...

'Zom­bie debt gets its name because the debts in question are supposed to be **dead and buried** since:
- They've been settled in bankruptcy proceedings.
- They're the result of mistaken identity or identity theft, so they were never your responsibility to begin with.
- Their statute of limitations has expired.'
http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/debt-managem...

agree with Birgit's comments - I doubt you'll find something that retains the legal connotation.

If you want to be quite colloquial. Grass growing over something doesn't seem to fit here.

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Note added at 1 hr (2009-08-25 20:07:41 GMT)
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...by now. Or turn it into a question, perhaps, i.e. Isn't that old hat by now?

I wonder it this might work, since it has the sense of something coming to nothing:
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/dead in the wat...

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Note added at 3 hrs (2009-08-25 21:27:37 GMT)
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Is Truth and Reconciliation Dead in the Water?
By Brian Beutler - April 2, 2009, 3:42PM
Yesterday, the website Consortium News published an article by Charlotte Dennett pouring some cold water on the hope many liberals have that Congress will form a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate Bush-era torture and other instances of wrongdoing. Dennett reported that, at a meeting with Sen. Patrick Leahy, the Judiciary committee chairman had said the idea was dead in the water. "[I]t's not going to happen," Leahy reportedly said.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/is-truth-and-reco...

or: That's all over and done with.

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Note added at 4 hrs (2009-08-25 22:35:57 GMT)
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Upon taking a second look at the context, I "vote against" my proposal. You can't have "Geschichte" in the first part and then say "ancient history" in the second.

That old story? That has lapsed long ago.

Another alternative. :-)

Why wouldn't a young person say it like it is? The German speaker is using a legal term too.

Please see my entry in the discussion area. Thank you for your vote of confidence, Diana!