“Ultra vires” is a Latin phrase that means “beyond the powers.” In legal situations, it refers to activities performed by an entity or individual that surpass the authority or powers given to them by law, a contract, or some other governing document. For instance, if a corporation takes part in actions that are not within the range of its stated purpose as mentioned in its articles of incorporation, those activities would be considered ultra vires and could be possibly null or unenforceable. Similarly, if a government agency performs activities that exceed its legal authority, those activities may be considered ultra vires and could be challenged.