retrospective legislation
(retroactive legislation) Legislation that operates on matters taking place before its enactment, e.g. by penalizing conduct that was lawful when it occurred. There is a presumption that statutes are not intended to have retroactive effect unless they merely change legal procedure (see interpretation).

• declaratory theory
• decompilation
• decree
• decree absolute
• decree nisi
• decree of presumption of death and dissolution of marriage
• deductions
• deed
• deed of arrangement
• deed of covenant
• deed of family arrangement
• deed of gift
• deed of variation
• deed poll
• deemed
• deemed domicile
• deep seabed area
• de facto
• de facto carers
• de facto director
• defamation
• default
• default notice
• default summons
• defeasance