Law A-Level
Ultra Vires
What Ultra Vires means in Law A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Ultra Vires
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Latin for 'beyond the powers'; used when a body makes delegated legislation that exceeds the authority granted by the parent Act.
A Latin term meaning 'beyond the powers'; used when a minister or body exceeds the authority granted to them by an enabling Act.
Topics that use Ultra Vires
- The nature of law and the English legal system (AQA A-Level)
- The sources of English law, its enforcement and administration (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Administrative Necessity
- Affirmative Resolution
- Consolidation
- Corrective Justice
- Democratic Accountability
- Equality Before the Law
- Equity
- Golden Rule
Using Ultra Vires in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
Practise Law questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Law A-Level terms7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge