retrospective law
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
Definitions from Case Law
From 3 U.S. 386 - Calder et Wife, v. Bull et Wife. · 1798Most cited · 2,075 citing opinions
Every ex post facto law must necessarily be retrospective; but every retrospective law is not an ex post facto law: The former, only, are prohibited. Every law that takes away, or impairs, rights vested, agreeably to existing laws, is retrospective, and is generally unjust; and may be oppressive.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
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.
Defined under Retrospective in Black's Law Dictionary.