Legal Definitions - ultra valorem

ULTRA VALOREM

Ultra valorem is a Latin term used in law that means "beyond the value." It refers to a situation where something exceeds its value or worth.

1. If a person borrows money from a lender and then fails to repay the loan, the lender may seize the borrower's property to recover the debt. However, if the value of the seized property exceeds the amount owed, the lender cannot keep the excess amount. This excess amount is considered ultra vires.

2. In a bankruptcy case, if a debtor has assets that are worth more than the amount owed to creditors, the excess amount is considered ultra vires.

The examples illustrate the concept of ultra valorem, where something exceeds its value or worth. In both examples, the excess amount is beyond what is owed or what the property is worth, and therefore cannot be kept by the lender or the debtor. Ultra valorem is an important legal concept that ensures fairness and prevents abuse of power.