ultra vires

English

Etymology

From Latin ultra vires (“beyond the power”).

Phrase

ultra vires

1. (law) beyond the legal power or authority of a person or body
   • 2004 September 5, Scotland on Sunday:

     Acts of the Scottish Parliament, unlike Westminster, can be challenged in court on the basis that they relate to reserved matters and are, therefore, ultra vires.

Synonyms

• extra vires

Related terms

• intra vires