Which term meaning 'now for then' would be used to file retroactively?

• A. Ex post facto
• B. Nunc pro tunc
• C. Voir dire
• D. Habeas corpus

Answer: (B)

Nunc pro tunc is the term used when a filing or court action is made effective as of an earlier date. It literally means “now for then,” and it’s applied to backdate entries so the record treats the action as if it occurred on the earlier date. This is common when a document was filed or an event occurred timely in reality, but the record didn’t reflect it properly, and the goal is to avoid prejudice by recognizing the earlier date.

Ex post facto refers to punitive retroactivity in criminal law, not to retroactive filings, so it isn’t used to backdate documents. Voir dire is the jury selection process, unrelated to retroactive dating. Habeas corpus is a writ challenging unlawful detention, also not about backdating filings.