Retrospectivity and the Rule of Law

Author: Charles Sampford
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780198252986
Published In: March 2006
Format: Hardback , 328 pages
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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The book has a unique focus entirely on retroactivity, a subject normally dealt with only as a subset of constitutional law
The book touches on some very topical areas, such as the use of retroactivity in the fight against terrorism. Highly controversial current issues, eg: Guantanamo Bay detainees, Patriot Act etc
The book has a very wide readership potential, retroactivity is a controversial constitutional and ethical issue across UK and USA especially, and Australasia and Canada also.

Retrospective rule-making has few supporters and many opponents. Defenders of retrospective laws generally do so on the basis that they are a necessary evil in specific or limited circumstances, for example to close tax loopholes, to deal with terrorists or to prosecute fallen tyrants. Yet the reality of retrospective rule making is far more widespread than this, and ranges from 'corrective' legislation to 'interpretive regulations' to judicial decision making. The search for a rational justification for retrospective rule-making necessitates a reconsideration of the very nature of the rule of law and the kind of law that can rule, and will provide new insights into the nature of law and the parameters of societal order.

This book examines the various ways in which laws may be seen as retrospective and analyses the problems in defining retrospectivity. In his analysis Dr Charles Sampford asserts that the definitive argument against retrospective rule-making is the expectation of individuals that, if their actions today are considered by a future court, the applicable law was discoverable at the time the action was performed. The book goes on to suggest that although the strength of this 'rule of law' argument should prevail in general, exceptions are sometimes necessary, and that there may even be occasions when analysis of the rule of law may provide the foundation for the application of retrospective laws.

1 Defining Retrospectivity

2 The Rule of Law

3 Arguments Against Retrospective Law

4 Retrospective Legislation

5 Retrospective Judicial Law-Making

6 Justifications for Retrospective Law

7 Conclusions and Consequences for the Rule of Law

Charles Sampford, Foundation Professor of Law and Director, International Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law, Griffith University

Jennie Louise, Sophie Blencowe, and Tom Round

"Anyone who desires to write or think about problems of legal retrospectivity or the rule of law must read and refer to this excellent book." - Douglas E. Edlin, Public Law