What is retroactive?

Retroactive refers to taking effect from a date in the past, rather than from the date of enactment or implementation. This term is often used in the legal field when referring to laws or decisions that apply to events that occurred before their enactment. Retroactive laws can either create new legal effects or modify existing ones. In some cases, such laws may be found unconstitutional because they violate due process or ex post facto laws. Additionally, retroactive events can also refer to actions, decisions or policies that are made or applied retrospectively, outside of the expected timeline.