Ultra Vires (Adverb)

Meaning

Beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority.

Examples

• The board of directors made the decision ultra vires, as it was not within their power to do so without shareholder approval.
• The administrative agency's recent actions are being challenged as ultra vires, as they appear to exceed its statutory authority.
• The court ruled that the local government's ordinance was ultra vires because it conflicted with state law.
• The company's officers acted ultra vires in signing the contract without first obtaining board approval as required by the corporate charter.
• The regulator's effort to impose new regulations on the industry is being challenged as ultra vires, since the enabling statute does not grant such authority.