Law
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
RETROSPECTIVE.
A retrospective law is one that is to take effect, in point of time, before it was passed. Whenever a law of this kind impairs the obligation of contracts it is void.
3 Dall. 391.
But laws which only vary the remedies, divest no right, but merely cure a defect in proceedings otherwise fair, are valid. 10 Serg. & Rawle, 102, 3; 15 Serg. & Rawle, 72; see Ez post facto.