Retroactivity
/ˌrɛtrōækˈtɪvɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality or state of a law or legal act that applies to events, transactions, or facts that occurred before its enactment.
The retroactivity of the new tax law affected income earned in the previous year.
Related terms
Commentary
Retroactivity often requires clear legislative intent to avoid unfair surprise or constitutional issues.
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.