ultra vires

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. Beyond one's power; specifically, beyond the legal or constitutional power of a person, court, or corporation. In the law of corporations an act is said to be ultra vires— when it is not within the scope of the powers of the corporation to perform it under any circumstances or for any purpose; or with reference to the rights of members, when the corporation is not authorized to perform it without their consent; or with reference to some specific purpose, when it is not authorized to perform it for that purpose.

Wiktionary

1. law beyond the legal power or authority of a person or body

GNU Webster's 1913

1. Beyond power; transcending authority; -- a phrase used frequently in relation to acts or enactments by corporations in excess of their chartered or statutory rights.

WordNet 3.0

1. adv. beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority
2. adj. beyond the legal power or authority of a person or official or body etc