Why Does the Constitution Forbid Ex Post Facto Laws, and Is

question 28

Essay

Why does the Constitution forbid ex post facto laws, and is there a downside to forbidding them? If so, what?

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Definitions:

Supreme Court

The highest judicial body in a country or state, often having the final authority in interpreting the constitution and laws.

U.S. v. Nixon

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1974 that resulted in a unanimous decision against President Richard Nixon, compelling him to release tape recordings related to the Watergate scandal.

Executive Privilege

A right claimed by the president of the United States and other members of the executive branch to maintain confidential communications under certain circumstances, especially to shield sensitive information from legislative and judicial review.

Pocket Veto

A legislative maneuver available to the U.S. President to indirectly veto a bill by retaining it unsigned until it is too late for it to be dealt with during the legislative session.