Retroactive statute

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Retroactive \Re`tro*act"ive\, a. [Cf. F. r['e]troactif.]
   Fitted or designed to retroact; operating by returned action;
   affecting what is past; retrospective. --Beddoes.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Retroactive law} or {Retroactive statute} (Law), one which
      operates to make criminal or punishable, or in any way
      expressly to affect, acts done prior to the passing of the
      law.
      [1913 Webster]