ex post facto

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The term "ex post facto" is a Latin phrase that literally means "from after the fact." In English, it is used primarily in legal contexts. Here’s an easy breakdown of the term and its usage:

Definition:

Ex post facto refers to laws or actions that apply retroactively, meaning they affect things that happened in the past. For example, if a new law is made that punishes actions that were legal when they occurred, that law is considered ex post facto.

Usage Instructions:

• As an adjective: It describes laws or rules that apply to events that have already taken place.

Example:

• "The government cannot pass an ex post facto law that punishes people for actions that were legal when they were done."

Advanced Usage:

In legal discussions, ex post facto laws are often prohibited in many legal systems, including the U.S. Constitution. This is to ensure fairness, so people are not punished for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed.

Word Variants:

• Ex post facto law: A specific type of law that is retroactive.
• Retroactive: Related to something that takes effect from a date in the past.

Different Meanings:

• While "ex post facto" primarily refers to laws, it can also describe any action or decision that is made after an event has occurred and affects it.

Synonyms:

• Retroactive
• Backward-looking

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "ex post facto," but understanding related phrases can help: - Retroactive pay: This refers to payment for work done in the past, where the payment is given after a new agreement or wage increase.

Summary:

In summary, ex post facto is a legal term that refers to actions or laws that affect past events. It is important to understand this term, especially in discussions about law and fairness.

Academic

Adjective

1. affecting things past
   • retroactive tax increase
   • an ex-post-facto law
   • retro pay

Synonyms

• retroactive
• retro