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.
Traditionally, the purpose of a corporation was closely spelled out in its articles of incorporation If the corporation acted beyond its described purposes these actions were unenforceable against the corporation or by the corporation However, most modern statutes allow corporate purposes to be any lawful activity
meaning literally beyond ones power, an act which is ultra vires is one which is beyond the scope of the authority that a person or organization has Thus an agent can be ultra vires the scope of his or her agency agreement, a company can act ultra vires the objects contained in its memorandum of association and a local authority or minister can act ultra vires the powers conferred on them by legislation
beyond the legal power or authority of a person or official or body etc; "an ultra vires contract" beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority
Beyond power; transcending authority; a phrase used frequently in relation to acts or enactments by corporations in excess of their chartered or statutory rights
An act perfomed without any authority to act on the subject An act is ultra vires when a corporation is without authority to perform it under any circumstances or for any purpose Thus a contract made by a corporation beyond the scope of its corporate powers us unlawful