Article:
Stephen R. Munzer, A Theory of Retroactive Legislation, 61 TEXAS L. REV. 425 (1982).
 

Abstract:
Prof. Munzer critiques existing jurisprudence about retroactive legislation and when it is justifiable. Current doctrine holds that retroactivity is usually undesirable because it is contrary to the rule of law to change legal rules when parties may have justifiably relied upon them. Munzer posits that retroactive statutes affecting property, contracts, and taxation are more often justifiable than current legal opinion accepts, but that retroactive statutes dealing with limitations periods and criminal procedure are less often justifiable than is currently accepted.