ultra vires

Meaning: Beyond the legal power or authority of a person, organization, or government.
Literally Latin: _ultra_ = "beyond" + _vires_ = "powers"

Pronounced: _UL-truh VY-reez_ or _UL-truh VEE-rays_

Used a lot in law, business, and government to say "you had no right to do that."

Sentence:
The court ruled that the mayor’s decision to sell public land without council approval was *ultra vires*.

Other examples:
- The board fired the CEO, but shareholders argued the move was *ultra vires* because it violated company bylaws.
- Signing that contract on behalf of the company without permission would be acting *ultra vires*.
- Any regulation passed *ultra vires* can be struck down by a judge.

Quick way to remember:
Ultra vires = *Ultra* = over the line + *vires* = powers. You went past your authority.

It’s the opposite of _intra vires_ = "within your powers."