Ex Post Facto Laws

Learn about the definition for this legal term.

What is Ex Post Facto Laws?

A law that makes illegal an act that was legal when committed, increases the penalties for an infraction after it has been committed, or changes the rules of evidence to make conviction easier. The Constitution prohibits the making and enforcement of an ex post facto law.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Constitutional Law terms:

Stephanie Bagnall

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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