Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Ultra Vires
Constitutional & Public Law Doctrines
Definition
"Beyond the powers." Refers to any law, subordinate regulation, executive decree, or official act enacted or executed in excess of the jurisdiction, power, or authority conferred by the Constitution or parent statute.
Example
A municipal corporation authorized by its parent statute only to regulate street traffic issues an order revoking the business licenses of local grocery stores; the order is ultra vires the parent Act.