1. That which is given to another to recompense him for what has been received from him; as a rent for the hire of a house. 2. A salary paid to a person for his services. 3. The distribution of rewards and punishments. This word is sometimes used in law, though not commonly in modern times, as the equivalent of "recompense," or a payment or compensation for services, property, … [Read more...]

The name of a writ issued to compel a party to return property which has been adjudged to the other in an action of replevin. Vide Writ pro retorno habendo. … [Read more...]

Lat. Back; backward; behind. Retrofeodum, a rerefief, or arriete fief. Spelman. … [Read more...]

In international law. A species of retaliation, which takes place where a government, whose citizens are subjected to severe and stringent regulation or fearsh treatment by a foreign government employs measures of equal severity and harshness upon the subjects of the latter government found within its dominions. See Vattel, lib. 2, c 18, … [Read more...]

A change made that is then applied to a previous point in time and rolled forward as if that change was made in the past. Typically this refers to statutes or rulings that will have an impact prior to the date of enaction. In most instances, such laws are prohibited, e.g. the increase of criminal penalties to take effect as if promulgated one year earlier is unconstitutional … [Read more...]