Definition
A law or decision applied to conduct that occurred before the law existed. Courts generally hate this because it violates the fundamental principle of fair notice.
Example Usage
The legislature passed a retroactive tax law that exposed companies to years of past tax liability.
Origin
From Latin 'retro' (back) and 'agere' (to act)
Fun Fact
The Constitution specifically prohibits ex post facto laws and bills of attainder for this reason
Source: Constitutional and legislative law
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “Retroactive” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator