Retrospective

Looking back; contemplating what is past

— Retrospective law. A law which looks backward or contemplates the past; one which is made to affect acts or facts transpiring, or rights accruing, bsfore it came into force. Every statute which lakes away or impairs vested righis acquired under existing laws, or creates a new obligation, imposes a new duty, or attaches a new disability in respect to transactions or considerations already past, must be deemed retrospective. See Ex Post Facto, And see Deland v. Platte Co., (C. C.) 54 Fed. 832; Poole v. Fleeger, 11 Pet 198, 9 L. Ed. 680 ; Sturges v. Carter, 114 U. S. 511, 5 Sup. CL 1014, 29 I Ed. 240; Merrill v. Sherburne, 1 N. H. 213, 8 Am. Dec. 52; Bell v. Perkins, Peck (Tenn.) 266, 14 Am. Dec. 745; Evans v. Denver, 26 Colo. 193, 57 Pac. 696.