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The authors of the Constitution prohibited ex post facto laws for several reasons:
1. **Legality and Fairness:** It is unfair to penalize someone for behavior that was not illegal at the time. Ex post facto laws would allow punishments for actions that were legal when committed, violating the principle of legality and fairness in legal systems.
2. **Protection of Rights:** People should have the right to apply to federal court for unjust imprisonment. Prohibiting ex post facto laws ensures that individuals have the opportunity to challenge their imprisonment or punishments that may result from retroactive laws.
3. **Judicial Integrity:** Judges with lifetime tenure might be tempted to use their power oppressively. Prohibiting ex post facto laws helps maintain judicial integrity by preventing judges from applying laws retrospectively to target individuals unfairly.
4. **Due Process:** Legislative bodies should not condemn individuals without a trial. Ex post facto laws could undermine due process by allowing punishment without the proper legal procedures and protections afforded by a fair trial.
In summary, the prohibition of ex post facto laws in the Constitution serves to uphold legality, fairness, protection of rights, judicial integrity, and due process in the legal system.
