Debt does have a statute of limitation that varies state to state [0]. So even if there is a trial and judgement, after a certain amount of time it is invalid and there is no legal recourse to collect (although collectors will still ask).

I think the issue here is that this debt is not subject to the statute of limitations. Some other federal debts- student loans- have similar exemptions and special considerations.

[0] https://www.incharge.org/understanding-debt/credit-card/what...