Definition of "Ultra vires"

Tina Comstock  real estate agent

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Tina Comstock elite badge icon

La Rosa Realty, LLC

Latin phrase meaning "beyond power or authority" describing an act by a corporation that exceeds its legal powers. For example, corporations do not have the authority to engage in the insurance business without a charter. A corporation offering insurance without authority would be acting ultra vires. Similarly, an insurance company chartered to engage in a single line of business would be operating ultra vires by offering some other line.

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