Ultra Vires
A legal term meaning 'beyond the powers' — used when a public body or minister acts outside the legal authority granted to them by Parliament.
Real World
In 2017, the High Court ruled that the government's air pollution plan was ultra vires because it failed to meet legally required nitrogen dioxide limits, forcing ministers to produce a new strategy.
Exam Focus
Define ultra vires precisely as acting 'beyond the powers granted by statute' — vague definitions lose marks on short-answer questions.
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