Retroactive Law
/ˌrɛtrəˈæktɪv lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A statute or law that applies to events or actions that occurred before its enactment date.
The court ruled that the retroactive law could not be applied to cases resolved prior to its passage.
- (adj.) Describing a law or provision that has effect on past actions or situations.
The retroactive law provision disrupted existing contractual agreements.
Forms
- retroactive laws
Related terms
Commentary
Retroactive laws are generally disfavored in criminal law to protect legal certainty but may be more accepted in civil or regulatory contexts; drafters should clearly specify temporal effects to avoid ambiguity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.