You succinctly described the ill effects of ex post facto laws. As you note, the ex post facto clause is a protection against corruption by the hands of legislative actors. “Indeed, the essence of the rule of law is inextricably linked with the notion that a person may not be punished by the state without prior prohibitions of the regulated conduct by that person” (Yung, 2011). While there are some proponents of ex post facto laws, it should be clear to all citizens that the Founding Fathers saw these laws are vindictive practices. Therefore, the establishment of the Ex Post Facto Clause ultimately provides transparency in law and punishment. “The use of amended sentencing guidelines at the time of sentencing, which call for a harsher penalty