Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ex-post-facto
adjective
/ɛksˈpoʊst ˈfækt.oʊ/
Definition
A term used in law to describe a law that applies retroactively, affecting events or actions that occurred before the law was enacted.
Examples
- The government cannot pass ex-post-facto laws that punish people for acts that were legal at the time they were committed.
- Ex-post-facto rules can create confusion and uncertainty for individuals and businesses.
Meaning
Ex-post-facto laws change the legal consequences (or status) of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law.
Synonyms
- retroactively
- after the fact
