Grandfather clause

A grandfather clause is an exception, originating from the United States, that allows a pre-existing rule to remain as it is despite a change in the rules applied to newer situations. It is often used as the verb "to grandfather in".

Related Topics:
United States - Verb

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Often, such a provision is used as a compromise, to effect new rules without upsetting a well-established physical or political situation. But note that to "grandfather in" actually means the opposite; when a new situation comes about that would be to the benefit of a person who would not have qualified. For example, if a company has a pension plan and then after a certain date the benefits get better but the already retired get the benefits, then one might say they were "grandfathered in". This amounts to the same thing as being "retroactively applied".

Related Topics:
Compromise - Political

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